Old photoshop user having trouble using elements

Question

Been using an ancient copy of Photoshop for years. Got a new computer, and figured it was time for an upgrade, so I bought Elements. I've been working with it for a few days and having tons of troubles.
1) Dell sold me Elements 8 instead of Elements 9. I did not know at the time I was getting an older version. Are there enough differences in the new version I should complain that I got an old version?
2) I'm having a terrible time with the "Panel Bin" and "Project Bin" resetting every time I open the application. I'll get all the windows set up just the way I like them, and then when I restart the app they're scrambled or missing. I DO have "Save Panel Locations" checked in the preferences, and I would have thought that was enough. Am I missing something?
3) Is there a way to turn off the stripe at the bottom with the Tips and Tricks icon? It's a waste of space.
4) The Favorites panel seems handy, but so far all I've been able to add is some effects. Is there a way to add other things I use regularly, like Image Size, Canvas Size, Brightness/Contrast, and Hue/Saturation? Or is this really only "favorite effects" rather than favorite anything?
5) After using the same grayscale tool bar since about 1993, the color icons on the tool bar now look cartoony and just plain weird. I guess I'll get used to them eventually, but is there any way to turn on the old icons?
Sorry that's a mass of questions at once. I'm just feeling a little lost in the new interface. Thanks in advance for any help.

Answer 1

Some thoughts
1. You could download the trial of pse9 and see if the hassle is worth it.
   Some things are better and some are worse.
2. Are you docking the panels or trying to keep them free floating like
   your older version of photoshop did?
3. Yes that happens when start elements with your internet on.
    See this page
4. You can only add things from the effects and content panels to the favorites panel
    like effects(actions), frames, layer styles etc.
5. The only change in the interface is light or dark:Preferences>General.
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