Hello Michael, 
 
How about adding a setting in the options for the width of the browser.  Would this help? Then people can re-size if they want to. Even if it changes the rest of the tabs. This would then be set to user taste and always be the same. 
 
I have my browser set up on the opposite side of the window and I always change the width (in the HTML file) to be wider, but not everyone is comfortable with editing these files.  
 
Though if screen space was limited enough that I needed to use the inside mode, then I would keep any names short to fit in the space available. so I don't really see that as a huge issue myself. 
 
Not sure if this helps any.
 
Regards 
Tony 
(aka HamSoles)  |