i don't know if you saw the new template, but is very similar to the one of hfs 2.4 . Is that simple enough? if negative, could you tell me what you would like to see removed?
Not simple enough for file server. Because most users don't need to see server management menu.
So, not really stuff to remove; but, there is stuff to Hide (to clear/clean the view, for the majority of users).
The need is for a switchable view:
Simple-Grandma mode (like Stripes), in light colors
Server-Manager mode (like hfs2.4), in dark colors
. . . and default public/guest to use simple-grandma mode (it is right to use the Login button for mode/view switch).
Per circa 1999 Orangebook and in regard to the Zenworks security module, the original background-color view switch was lightblue for basic users, darkblue for printer/backup manager, darkred for Administrator and lightgreen for inspector (business owner could see all but not accidentally disable the server). . . At login, the desktop icons as well as the program menu options would populate (or de-populate) to fit the user's access/experience level.
Today, I think that can be translated into lightblue (colors like twitter, facebook, openmediavault, Stripes.tpl) for basic users, and then a dark theme for server managers.
An example of menu for simple-grandma mode:
HFS File Server
[sort][................................searchbox.............................][login]
A small thin menu, so that basic users (especially guest/public) are more likely to notice the file-listing/content, primarily.
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