There are so many "preferred" ways to handle tabs, the only real solution is for someone to write an extension that lets each user pick exactly how they want their tabs to work. Except then you'd be chained to that extension forever, adding "just one more" tweak.
Personally, I want fixed-width tab names so the close button is always in the same place, for when I want to close 5 tabs in a row, and tab groups that put .ccp and .h files on a single tab (WndTabs, anyone?), and the ability to colorize the tabs by type.
Your options will certainly differ. But please include my preferred options in your extension when you write it! =)