having more granularity on not only columns, but individual portal boxes is something that wouldn't be too hard to do..
also, i'd even go so far as to really allow the users to choose where they want the boxes -- per se..
you (admin) would turn on the default boxes and columns (you even force certain ones for ad revenue), but the user could have a 'portal layout' mode with the boxes they have control over and make their own look..
also, having the user choose from a set of 'user custom islands' (for lack of a better word)... and it's akin to what we do with the bbcode tags now..
the admin sets up all the tags that can be used, and users choose from a menu.. the same wouild be done for the user, where they could choose from 'ubb widgets' or whatever.. to have their daily dilbert island or stuff like that..
