Are you using Backside as your rom? If you are you can try the stock gingerbread launcher. Launcher2.zip - Thanks to cammykool.

 

QQLauncher looks nice. Runs pretty smooth too.

 

I have yet to see anything I like better than Balancer. Works equally well on BACKside and Quattrimus/AOKP.
My favorite setup for it: no icons on any desktop other than the ICE Emergency on my default home page. One good weather widget on that page, Smooth Calendar on another. All my favorite apps in the Entertainment drawer, all my utilities in the Tools drawer. Set the drawer transparency to about 50%, so I can just see my (cool) wallpaper. YMMV

 

Have you heard of [SSKIN] Butterfly+ launcher?
I like ADW EX, but I was looking for someone and found this.

 

For kernels: Have you thought to look in the All Things Root Guide sticky?

 

I, personally, have not seen a thread about all the kernels for the ov (I haven't checked this forum too well) probably because we don't have too many. So I'm going to post what I know.

Picasticks (misspelled?) - For froyo
Iho kernel - for iho, not built for new screens
BobZhome's - for iho, most iho roms use it now
Mine - for iho, Bob's + patches and tweaks for responsiveness
Xionia - from the optimus s.. idk much else
Gingerkernel - tdm's version is for cm9. Also works without issue on the new zv9 radio

 

Thanks for the info. Will add the Gingerkernel to the list of kernels I've been compiling in the All Things Root Guide Sticky.