1: Shortcuts are the best way I know of. I have just a couple on the main screen for the most common stuff like "Home." I have the next home screen dedicated to Text and Phone shortcuts. I use AnyCut app for making them.
2: MixZing will automatically create playlists based on the Genre and other meta tags in the music. I don't use the stock player at ll. MixZing is the way to go.
3: Don't use the alarm much, can't help you there.

