Binary package hint: gnome-panel
I think that by right-clicking on the panels you should not be presented with the options of creating a new panel and deleting the current panel.
Having these options always present may lead some users to accidentally delete the top panel, with no obvious way to restore it. Also, the accidental creation of a new panel may lead to confusion too (since in other operating systems you have not the possibility to create and delete panels).
Also, ulterior "shock" on novice users is generated by accidentally "dragging" a panel, moving it on the sides of the screen and not knowing how to restore it.
I propose to create a configuration application, based on the preexistent properties window and placed on the System->Preferences menu. It should be called "Panels", much like "Windows". From there you could
- Add a new panel, and configure it directly from the app.
- Select another preexistent panel (from a combo box, or list), and configure it.
- Delete the selected panel, with confirmation.
- Restore the default settings for all panels.
In the popup menu for every panel shall be present only the Properties item, which opens the configuration application.
Attaching a possible UI (as a glade file) for the new configuration app