Can't say I agree. Just because two things are desireable alone, does not mean they will go together well. For example, I like fish sandwiches, and I like peanut butter sandwiches. I'm not certain I'd like a fish & peanut butter sandwich.
I don't mind the new changes, but I rarely used the top news feed. Having it integrated amounts to 'noise' in the feed for me.
Hmm, maybe it would be the best for everyone if you could collapse one of the two section types.