Give me a list. Of everything.
Or, if you absolutely feel you have to categorize things, give me a single "Uncollapse this mess" button so that I can look for the thing I'm looking for.
That would make no sense to have a list of 1000 random items not being categorized; just use the search.
When you say "To use the search, I need to know what I'm looking for". Well, usually, when you search the documentation, it's because you know what you're searching for.. right?
But then, I get that you might not know the "best keywords" to search what you're looking for. And, for that, it's so better to have smart category rather than a list of 1000 items.
I mean, you're searching a way to post things using Ajax. You can search for ajax, you can search for post.. but you can quickly look at the categories and see Ajax; and then, instead of browsing through 1000 items, you only have to read a dozen.
I have been in such positions when learning JSF, seemingly simple things like getting out a request parameter where not obvious, and when googling "request parameter JSF" and all kinds of tricks I still did not get a satisfying answer, only after reading more about JSF I realized it is just the wrong thing to do any way.
If you're in such a position, you dont know what to search for but you think you have a problem, then it is time to pick up a book and study.
</sarcasm>