Comment 5 for bug 764744

While adding the launcher maybe an easy workaround for making this 'easily accessible' and solve this issue in user-testing, it does not seem like a good long-term solution.

Yes, In a new install a user would surely want to change a few settings. But after changing the settings how often would they require that launcher? In the old GNOME panel, In my case, I've made a few adjustments early on and have very rarely visited the System menu. This icon would be a waste of space when it is not used meant to be used frequently or even required later by many.

Sure, the user can remove the icon if not using it, then where would the user find this System Settings option? The user will again be lost, or the user is forever bound to have this less frequently used icon in the launcher just for the sake of being able to find it again if ever he requires it.

Ideally, the System settings could be placed in a location along with the "About Version"(1) and the "Help and Support" (2) , but in the launcher is not the best solution.

(1) Bug #688008 : No graphical way to tell what version of Ubuntu you're using
(2) Bug #744565 : "Help and Support" not available in Natty