You are right, we already have the possibility to check that through the cover. However, I find this “patch” from dseight useful for two reasons: first, while using the phone, I can check it while opening another app; second, I can check the date and time with a swipe from bottom to top. With 5,787 downloads, I guess I’m not the only one who finds it useful.
Regarding the third panel, it’s hard to explain. The best option might be to watch a video on YouTube. But having used it for a couple of years, I found the original third-panel “mode” more pleasant than the two-panel “mode” of its SailfishOS successor. Changing the current two-panel interface to a three-panel one, or letting users choose, is something that the community can decide.
Let me find a video to show you what I mean.
As for your remark about the topic, I’ll keep it in mind.