Harold--I agree with you about the small pieces, loosely joined. I was just comparing how Angela White is using Netvibes vs. how I'm using Netvibes. She and I have set up very different categories and are using our accounts quite differently, but both support our personal learning.

If someone had designed a PLE for us, they would have set up all of the tabs, etc. and one, if not both of us would be frustrated. The better strategy is to say--here's a tool. Here's how some people are using it. If it works for you, great. If it doesn't, let's find something else.