I have found that the new button layout is not intuitive. I understand from talking with support that this is supposed to help new users. I don't think the extra steps to use certain functions is helpful, especially if you are coming from applications where all the buttons are readily available in the sidebar. Perhaps using a search bar mixed with the old layout style would be helpful. New users could search for their tool, while old users could access the tool they need more quickly. Perhaps also merging the top tool bar style and functionality in photoshop into illustrator. Photoshop has some tools that are easier to use there than they are in illustrator. Perhaps those tools could be set up the same way..