I don't like how the sidebar automatically pops out every time I click on something. It blocks what I'm clicking on and trying to drag... especially if I'm zoomed in. Is this my problem?
Thanks for the screenshot. When zoomed in yes, the panel will cover the project canvas. To move the canvas around hold down the spacebar and your cursor should change to a hand, which will enable you to click and drag the canvas around to see the covered parts.
I'd show you a screenshot but my mouse doesn't show up! But it does work, I use it all the time.