same here on the lurker thing. i know there are 2 things you can do. I am running version 6+, this rom has that feature
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=106231 . Or there is a shortcut out there called New SMS which is the direct shortcut to the screen you want..and swap them out..im sure you can do do it with total commander or something. Hope this helps a little.