Those are not solutions but rather desktop workarounds. This thread outlines mobile plugin support if you're interested. Note Tabs partially works on mobile.
Labeled screenshots on that page show multiple places where the panel can be moved to. It can also be moved above or below the sidebar. Note tabs can be pinned like favorites can be added.
How is that inconvenient for you when you suggest "adding a favorites item to the side menu (where notebooks and tags are)"?