When my elf is eating body parts, I have missed some of the dialogue because I didn't close fast enough the character pane.
I've run into this particular issue myself. This really does need some kind of solution.
The big UI also mess around your view when using edge panning.
This is more of a problem with the fact that edge scrolling starts before your mouse hits the edge of the screen. My suggestion to Larian is to limit edge scrolling to the actual edge of the screen, not just near it.
I also miss having the Toggle Sneak button on screen, now is very hidden in the Skills Panel.
Use the keyboard shortcut.