Uhm!! I actually use 8 as first row since I use both ALL and FAVORITES on my 9860 so they are email folder, email folder, sms (has spiderwebs all over it but is there), internet browser, bbm, whatsapp, twitter, fb
Although for me it doesnt matter much as i use the full screen drop down. I tap "all" and it goes all the way down and just shows the arrow up on the homescreen. So when I open it, my first 3 rows show which is pretty much everything I use on a daily basis.
My theme can show 4, 8, all the way up to full screen. However, I keep it at 4 most of the time. They are email (unified), contacts, calendar, and Google Maps. Next line is BBM, BeWeather, Poynt, and browser.