I use the WordPress gallery (in pages/posts) a lot. For example: I insert images in the gallery when those images have to be displayed outside the page/post content. (like a page-specific image-slideshow in the backrgound).
This work fine, but from a users point-of-view it is very confusing to manage the gallery. A user has to click 'add media' (one button since 3.3) to be able to view the gallery. It seems more user-friendly to just display a section 'gallery' when editing your page. Just like you have a 'custum field' section, or a 'excerpt' section.
Last week a was explaining a client how to delete an image from the page gallery. First thing he said was: " So to delete media I need to click add media ???" Me: eeeuhhh.... yes.
Maybe there are some good reasons this is not a good idea, but I don't see them. Otherwise: tell me :)
Thx in advance & keep up the good work!!
Toon