[Gandalf Parker]

Id have to agree on both counts.

Sortable columns might be the best answer which ties up many different complaints.

As for mega maps (which I love) I would agree on a mini map if it wasnt for the mousewheel. Im addicted to zooming in and out with the wheel. But that might just be on the windows version? As an alternative, during late game I do find it handy to use an image viewing program to have an image of the map open in smaller form.

Or keep a low-overhead paint program open (like the ms-paint that came with winxp) and hit print-screen button once in awhile. Then I can switch to the paint and hit Ctrl-V to paste the image in. Not only is it useful as a minimap but its useful to remember things as they were. Kindof a visual notepad.