Andrew's suggestions are great.
The current user interface may be good for the 1% hardcore Blender users. It makes things quite difficult for the - let's say - 19% occasional users like me, and it succesfully prevents the other 80% who would gladly like to use Blender but simply can't because the UI doesn't let them.
I have put quite a lot of effort into learning the UI but still I say: discard this disastrous thing as soon as possible and make a good one. PLEASE!