I agree. Make it optional.

>I know that you think 1/4 of the size is Woohoo because you know this UI. But for beginners it will not work.
>
>>>Personally, I like graphics/icons. How about a switch to turn of the text in the left panel (the text can be shown
>>>as a tooltip text)? Or am I too fancy now? :)
>>
>>Yes, if you were to turn off the text so the graphic "tabs" would only be 1/4 the size it is now, that would be fantastic, more room in the middle! Woohoo!