I just got a 8520, used to have a 8703. Here are two questions for you 8520 pros!
1. I don't like having to click the blackberry button to get from the welcome screen, with only a few icons, to the "all icons" view. Is there a way to set it so it always just goes to the full icon list automatically?
2. Where is the "call log" or phone icon? How do I get it to show up with all the other icons?
Thanks!

That is theme based. Find a theme that shows all icon on the main screen.

It is sometimes hidden, usually in the applications folder.
Note, the same action can be performed by pressing the green call key.