My resolution is maxxed out... and, it's my company PC... can't upgrade video on my own.

But, tucking away the chat bar would certainly help a lot. Just leave that little expand arrow stashed in the corner where it was and you can bring it right back. I've hit a glitch a couple of times where the chat bar goes completely away but I can't get it back unless I go out of CP and come back in. It was really handy that one time.