You are a gentleman and a scholar.

Octopi Launcher does this

Octopi Launcher is the best replacement. The developer is very active and listens to suggestions. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.otp.octopilauncher

I personally found value in having that straight out of the box, curated and distilled down to what works and looks good.

You do realize that includes support, right? Last time I checked, that is very much not a donation.

What is the fundamental nature and purpose of the universe?