1) That's another thing that bothers me about OSX. Everything you want to do requires some extra plugin or package. Just because I can fix a problem with duct tape doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist.

3) I've tried that. I am a nerd after all. Go change the Firefox keyboard shortcuts from command+t to ctrl+t. Let mek now how that works out for you. When I do it, it changes in the menu, and the menu lights up, but no new tabs appear.

I also know about defaults write com.apple.finder... But that is an all or nothing situation. I can't hide/show on a directory basis. I also can't quickly turn it on and off. In Linux I can do a quick toggle with a shortcut like ctrl+h. In Windows at least there's a hidden GUI button to do it. In the famously easy to use OSX is the only OS that requires black magic.

I also forgot to add that the OSX Terminal still does not support 256 colors. It also really screws up trying to render fonts such as Proggy. I know there are other alternative terminals, but they have other issues. Even the humble gnome-terminal beats them all handily.

Animations (Spaces/Expose) cannot be disabled or changed through OnyX, am not sure what you are talking about.