[Moto G 2015 Android Development] madagascaradam:
Looking for familiar features on AOSP Extended

Hi, I just got a new Moto G3 Turbo Edition and just installed the latest version of AOSP Extended. (I had a Moto G2 with CM 13.1 in the past, seeing that CM was defunct, I went to the LineageOS forum and some on there recommended I do AOSP Extended for a clean install without bugs, so here I am.) I chose the "pixel launcher" at the selection screen, but I can't think of anything else specific to my device that might affect responses to my questions below. (I'm open to suggestions if I need another launcher too, or if I should choose "Google Now" - however, I don't like having that google searchbar at the top of every screen.)

There's a couple features that I was used to in CM 13.1 that I'm not finding here in AOSP Extended (though I think they must be here):

1. Expanded desktop - I really enjoyed this on CM 13.1. I see it in the description of AOSP Extended. But how do I access it? In particular, I'd like my nav buttons to auto-hide. (I like to keep the notification bar at the top.)

2. This may be unique to pixel launcher - but how can I add a 5th icon onto the slider bar there at the bottom? Is it not possible to change that?

3. I like to put desktop screens to the left of the home screen (not only to the right of it) - that way I can easily swipe right from home for certain apps and widgets (or two swipes) and I can easily swipe left from home for certain other quick views/access (or two swipes). However, I can't get any of the screens to move left of the home screen. I turned off the "show google app - when you swipe left from main home screen" option thinking that would fix it, but it didn't. (I don't really need the google app because I don't use it.)

4. In CM 13.1 I used to be able to adjust the desktop icon settings a lot - change the number in the grid, the sizes, etc. It was very useful. Is that not possible in AOSP Extended (or is it again a challenge of the pixel launcher)?

5. Regarding the pixel launcher (I know this probably isn't specific to AOSP Extended) - is there any way to customize its settings at all? Mine is dull with just a google tab on the left and date on the right - just sort of taking up space when it seems like it can/should do more.

6. Finally, the contacts app has changed slightly. The photos of contacts appear in just small round circles - I liked the old ones with much larger photos. Can anyone advise on how to change that or a better alternative?

In short, I like more customizability options. I've looked into AOSP Extended's extensions page and I like many of the options available there and I'm still tweaking some of them. But are there any add-on packs or anything I can do to have even more extensions and options?

The one thing I really like about the pixel launcher is the swipe up for apps, and that there's not a space-hogging "google now" bar on every desktop page. I'd be willing to give-and-take for some of these other features (above) that I prefer though, specifically if there are free alternatives that still have a very smooth and quick experience.

Thanks for your help! You guys are great in providing these alternative OS's and all the helpful support!