Probably for the same reason why keyboards are getting increasingly worse: No "hardcore" users. Pictures, music and similar files are "managed", lots of other stuff is exclusively accessed via a single application and its open dialog, leaving maybe the all-purpose Documents folder to be the target for occasional visitation.
And the desktop. Oh heavens, the desktop...
I use TotalFinder primarily for this functionality, and their split-pane looks almost identical to what he has set up in the screenshot, with the added benefit that it is more efficient (e.g. you can move the window around and resize it and the panes stay together, you can adjust the size of each pane relative to the other just by dragging the single middle bar, etc.).
TotalFinder split-pane screenshot: http://i.imgur.com/K6KkSws.png
TotalFinder http://totalfinder.binaryage.com/
XtraFinder http://www.trankynam.com/xtrafinder/
I read the article. I stand by my suggestion. The writer does not present an argument against those existing products. This is Wheel 2.0. Stop the pain. Contribute to software that exists.
What I like about totalfinder is that it is not a finder replacement, but just adds some small (but massive) improvements.
highly recommend.
If I'm not doing something, and want to start, then I just reset to a 'known-good' location with a key or mouse shortcut.
my laptop:
- fn + left middle double tap -> position/maximize window to half left screen
- fn + right middle doubletap -> position/maximize window to half right screen
- fn + top middle doubletap -> maximize window
on my desktop workstations I use keyboard shortcuts.
I guess I should try a tiling window manager some day, but I almost never need more than fullscreen vs 50/50.
You're welcome.
http://blog.boastr.net/?page_id=1619
BTT provides the same window controls as Spectacle, configurable to your custom keyboard or mouse or touchpad actions, plus a lot more that may be useful to you. I've been very happy with BTT.