This is something I’ve been thinking about. These plugin buttons are beginning to get out of hand, and the plugin api isn’t even public yet!
I think some of the plugins don’t need buttons in the UI, while others may be better suited elsewhere. You probably don’t need markdown importer on a daily basis. For now, search could (theoretically) be a searbar component.
Lastly, I think that we can clear up some confusion regarding what actions the buttons on the sides of the window perform. Some open panes or modals, and others open notes. If there will be a plugin API, I think the UI access points should be well organized.