What is the point in having the clock and date when pulling down the quick panel, it serves no purpose. It takes up space and pushes the options to a third page! This is for selecting options and there is no need for the clock to be shown.
Although I don't disagree with you I do think that it somehow serves for esthetic reasons. But personally I'd suggest shortening the height of date part and moving all the below up a line so you have an additional line.
What else has changed there? Mine feels wrong, and I feel like I'm having to reach more for the icons I use. Have they reduced the number of columns of icons or something?
unfortunately I don't think they will change this. it's the whole purpose of OneUI. to move stuff to the bottom and let you use everything with one hand.