1)
"There's an option in initial-setup "make user an Administrator" that
basically does this, not sure if the gnome equiv does the same."
OK, that was what that option was for. I saw it, but did not understand the meaning of if. The (Windows) term "administator" is confusing a Linux context IMO. I think "sudoer" would be better (or "sudoer (administrator)" if you like)
2)
> We have gnome-software, which is better for end users in my opinion. It
> shows actual apps instead of thousands of library packages that confuse new
> users. I don't think we want to change this.
Still you may want to install software comng from another desktop environment (examle: amarok) or something that is not specific for gnome or any specific desktop environment at all (like Wine).
I cannot see what should be confusing . You will use the search field (enter "amarok" or "wine" for instance).
3) I use the traditonal/old/classic Gnome interface and don't find "settngs" available anywhere in the menu there and for that reason never found this interface at all before. It should probably be added to "system tools" menu (or what it is named in English. I am a Danish user)?
-- Peter