Working with tabs

I prefer to set my indents numerically in a paragraph style. I do use the tab dialog box periodically, but when you use paragraph styles, once you set the left indent and negative first line indent, the tab sets itself. 

However, if you want to use the tab dialog box for bullet/number lists, just set the tab numerically. Normally, it is identical to the left indent.

Other than that you have to open an awkward floating window to manage them interactively, there's not much I'd care to see changed with Tabs. The 'negative indent' thing is just a technical perspective, a little different from most apps, but once learned is no more or less useful/appropriate/flexible than any other scheme.

A tad annoying

You can select the negative indent portion an type into the box the value you want - or hold down SHIFT DOWN ARROW or up arrow

This moves by 10 units

You can right click a Tab and choose Delete Tab

Tab rule has never been updated as far as I can remember

If you have ideas for it  you can submit them here

https://indesign.uservoice.com/forums/601021-adobe-indesign-feature-requests

Maybe a more Robust option like extend the panel to show indent settings

Maybe double click a Tab in the area for selecting a tab to get a list of 
Tab 1 
Tab 2
+

And you could add tabs with the plus and insert values