Re-arranging the configuration of these panels isn't something we endorse .... simply because it may (possibly) result in conflicts or other issues being experienced given the complexity of their gauges programming.
What we offer's based "entirely" upon the latest version (as of 2008) of Stellan HILMERBY's DC-9 panels .... and not any other versions of these panels available from either AVSIM.COM or FS.COM.
All we did was modify the gauges suite in these panels with more advanced versions of the same, improve/correct some of their programming, whilst also adding a few other new features too (in consultation with HILMERBY at the time) and without moving anything from its original position.
Everything we did was based entirely upon what we obtained from HILMERBY whilst also trying preserve the integrity/basic presentation of his original concept for these DC-9 panels .... and which is something we opted not to depart from.
Some explanation of these panels is probably warranted here .... because we offer 2 "basic" variations of them (in terms of some their instrument standard) as follows ....
1. This one used by all P&W JT8D-1 through JT8D-11 powered versions of our DC-9 simulations .... featuring a tape version analogue type EPR thrust limits scale/gauge .... in addition to conventional round analogue type engine gauges ....
2. This one used by all P&W JT8D-15 through JT8D-17 powered versions of our DC-9 simulations .... featuring a digital EPR thrust limits computer in addition to conventional round analogue type engine gauges (DC-9-40 and -40 versions of this panel also feature additional, or different, fuel gauges too) ....
In all versions of these DC-9 panels the Flap gauge is (intentionally) located within the "Secondary Instruments Sub Panel" portion .... and which (for the benefit of those unfamiliar with these panels) is commanded into view, over the engine gauges portion of the Main Panel, using "the small white triangular icon" located within the center of each Main Panel and outside the bottom left of the Standby AI gauge ....
This Secondary Instruments Sub Panel also displays Oil Pressure/Temperature gauges, Hydraulics Pressure gauges/switches, Landing Gear lever, Fuel Used (totalizer) gauge, as well as the said the Flap gauge too .... and since the flaps on DC-9 aircraft are hydraulically driven then this gauge is actually best located there.
An overriding consideration that should (perhaps) be born in mind is HILMERBY designed these DC-9 panels with the intention of their being used as "a home PC based familiarization tool" for SAS DC-9 pilots (and which also explains their complexity) .... their common FS use being of secondary consideration apparently. Therefore, and for this reason, everything hydraulically related is congregated together (within the same sub panel portion) .... as is the case also in regard to components of both the electrical and pneumatic systems included within separate sub sections of these panels too .... and which is why everything's compiled in the manner of it so being presented .... as has always offered by us
Again .... we sought to preserve the integrity of HILMERBY's production (rather than reorganizing everything for FS convenience) .... in support of the purpose for which he originally intended these panels. 
The main panel/s on R/W DC-9 aircraft are "well clustered" with gauges/instrumentation and in order to present everything for PC visualization, and in a relatively easily read format too, it's impossible to feature some what's necessary without the use of Sub Panels that do temporarily conceal some Main Panel references, but, only for a brief duration whilst this other sub panel instrumentation is being referenced to .... and which can't exceed more than the very few moments necessary to click upon an icon, hit a keyboard command, and then eyeball/confirm a selected gauge indication (such as the flap settings) .... unless one forgets to close the Sub Panel view.
I, like Walter apparently does too, prefer eyeballing all engine thrust related instruments throughout any stage of my DC-9 flights .... including during approaches to landing too.
With regard to the Flaps and Landing Gear indications though .... I seldom ever refer to the Secondary Instruments sub panel (except to select and confirm these items) .... being conscious instead of what I've selected, and when, in as much as also determining what's been done, and is happening, through "the way the simulation is flying during any phase of flight".
And when I do eyeball the Secondary Instruments Sub Panel portion (beyond using it to activate the Hydraulics System switches) I simply click upon "the small white triangular icon" on both the Main and sub panel .... as stated .... and in order to open/close either "in the very brief instant" such takes.
Mark C
AKL/NZ
