Screen/grid configuration options

I don't understand why there are only two options for screen/grid configurations. We need all users accessing the sale order list to see certain fields, such as the order status and a field we added, released (as in released for shipment). At the same time we'd like to make certain fields more prominent to draw users attention to them while also eliminating unnecessary white space. So, I'd like to be able to change grids at an administrative level for all users, not have to choose between users freely editing their grids or keeping DBA defaults. Ideally, I'd like a hybrid where the administrator can enforce some fields being viewed while allowing users to customize from there.