I have used other graphic languages like Pure Data and MAX msp. GH has some super concepts and UI tools/paradigms but one thing I really miss is the ability to group a cluster of components into a single container with IO so that the canvas is much cleaner and more modular. This hides the complexity (especially of reusable modules)
Is there functionality similar (for basic components) that Im missing; ie not grouping as that is of course very straight forward
MAX calls it sub patches
Do you mean like the Cluster command In gh (A favorite of mine) ? Looks like that is what your talking about. 
YES!!!
I dont remember it being there in the early days…and thinking about it then
Cheers
BTW…you may want to check out Archicad
You just draw the architecture and add plugins to the wall which automatically does the frame layouts then tweak what you need
Its been around a long time and I saw many things being done in Rhino that look pretty painful in comparison…but Archicad isnt a modeller…just then thing for architecture and D&C
Does the takes offs/cut lists as well
Can pm a demo if you want…Im not selling it btw!
hth