There are some built-in features in Sonar that really do make things easier.  Templates for one (Project, Track, ProChannel), and the Plugin Manager for another.  Yes, it took me a little time to set them up, but for the most part that was a one-time effort.  I used Sonar for a year or two before I got around to exploring those features though.
 
Eventually, when the plugin list grew annoyingly long, I created a Plugin Layout in which I categorized plugins by type and by vendor.  In the type folders I added my favorite and most used 'Compressors' and 'Equalizers' for example.  But, since not every plugin is used very often or fits neatly into a main type, I left those in a vendor folder.  The folders are sorted, the folder list is fairly short, and the lists of plugins within the folders aren't too lengthy.
 
You do have to manage the layouts when you add or delete plugins from your system, but I find that the Plugin Manager works well for me.

I used to use folders too.. but ever since I upgraded my comp I havnt used them..

Maybe a tagging system would be useful addition to the scanner when it finds new plugins?

IMO, drag-drop layout management as mentioned above would make plugin view much easier to deal with.  Also having a right-click menu for placement in views would be a big help.
 
 

gtgarner
It takes forever to scroll through Sonar's single file list of plugins to find the one I want at the bottom. 

You can type a letter to jump to the section of the list with plug-ins that start with that letter.
 

rebel007
Using the browser to select your plugins uses a folder tree structure not unlike Windows, and it allows drag and drop into your project.

 
I also find the Browser convenient, but I think it's worth the time to use the plug-in manager to customize plug-ins exactly as you want. It really doesn't take that long, and once it's done, it's done. The only problems I have with it are you have to remember to update the plug-in layout when you add a plug-in, and when you see the list of available plug-ins, you have no indication of which ones have been placed in folders and which ones haven't.

John
You may like this for helping organizing plugins.
 
Menu Magic http://forum.cakewalk.com...859.aspx#3325859 

Thanks for your suggestion.  It appears that MenuMagic can't adjust Waves plugin names.  Well, let me correct myself.  MenuMagic can change the plugin name in the registry, however as soon as Sonar starts it notices a difference in its plugins and acquires the old name again from "Waveshell".  Therefore Sonar blows away all of my name changes.