Using functions which disappeared with the unity view.

hello,

I upgraded to version 1.2.7, not the latest I think.

I understand that the unity view is deprecated and replaced by the dashboard.

1- I have lost the function to send applications to become friend with another user. Could not find a setup to make it appear.
2-Same with the list of users
3-and finally I would like to put back in the sidebar of the dashboard the list of recent albums, as hey appeared in the unity view.

Did I miss some modules or applications that should be enabled ? or some other setting ?

Thanks for your help.
PC