So, here is what I've been fiddling around with recently (today...) C&C would be greatly appreciated
http://img819.imageshack.us/g/picture4aq.png/
When in combat, the chat fades to .3 alpha, the long-duration buffs hide completely, and Skada sits on top of the minimap (otherwise, it is on-mouseover)
BTW, I fixed the border issue on the party mana bars AFTER I took the picture :P