Yeah I think thats one of the biggest things really. If perhaps the little bar over the characters heads was bigger and less see through it would make things seem less messy. Perhaps also have a window showing your characters portrait and the enemy they are targeting with the enemy health, the current action being taken on them etc....
Also wow I didn't realise people liked the whole rest thing so much ^^ In that case I think that should stay then :D (personal I still hate it )