These ideas should be straightforward in the existing codebase but unfortunately I don't think they are (I won't go into the details). Similar to you, I've thought about writing a new front-end which would be using steemchiller's APIs (as opposed to Steemit's) and freeing myself from the existing interface and layout entirely (i.e. not moving bits around in the existing interface but a totally new one). It's a mammoth undertaking although there are plenty of existing HTML / CSS templates which are responsive (i.e. adapt to desktop, tablet and mobie resolutions) which would simplify the design element (and make me redundant from this process).

we can have a chat with my dev in with @ the-gorilla
we have some plans that we can air with you

I look forward to hearing more 🙂