Which Today screen/'IM client and why? PLUS vol. fix please!

[BusDriver]

OK - there's a lot of today screens out there.

I'm using the HTC Home - which is OK. There were elements of the SBP Home that I liked - but both seem to have an issue that I can't fix.

I am using threaded SMS - and for some reason - sometimes the indicator doesn't catch the SMS coming in... The phone vibrates and sometimes it will even say 1 for a few seconds - and then it goes to zero.

Anyone else have this issue? (I had it w/ both of them)

and is there a reason you are adamant that one today screen is better and why (less memory, smaller footprint, better design etc).

Also - It seems there are a lot of mulit-IM clients. I LOVED veri-chat for the palm - it was always on.. but didn't use up your battery - is there anything like that for this device? Any thoughts on Palringo? I can't get it to work at all (I can't register on the site)... and same question - is there a GREAT IM program that surpasses the others.

FINALLY - there's gotta be a volume fix for the verizon xv6800 - I did something someone posted about switching the phone to 14k. Didnt seem to really do anything much... (but it kinda said that in the post anyway).

So is there one that I just haven't seen yet?

Also - all of you are SUPER helpful, and patient - and I really do appreciate it. Reading posts and responses - you're all very helpful - so I just wanted to add a thanks! (even before you reply)