I personally use the stock SMS app and I text constantly (I'm a teenager what else am I going to do to communicate? xD) and I know Ex Launcher has a texting app. Is it normally recommended to stick with the stock app for things like that? This is just an opinion question. Because it seems that in order to switch apps itd be pretty complicated Dx
Personally, I'm a bit of a minimalist and shy away from replacing my stock SMS or anything similar unless it's REALLY cumbersome in the OEM form.
Not used Ex Launcher myself so can't offer any advice on it.
int:
Do you use Launcher Pro?
I find it very hard to customize. That and it lacks widgets and you have to purchase to get more. And from what I can tell (besides themes) Ex is completely free.