I think the widgets are important. One of the primary ways I use Google maps is to punch in new directions quickly while at a red light or something. I want to press one button. The “home” and “gas” buttons help here. I certainly do not want features “buried” in the app where I need to tap more things frantically. I think the map is the most important thing, and the current design reflects this, but it isn’t SO important that everything else should go away.

I don’t really care what a designer from 15 years ago thinks. The current designers do a good job.