Yes widgets exacerbate the grid issue.
That said I have the same problem with Google's default launcher. If Nova adds, assuming they can, the Google Now as a slide to the left feature, I will go back to it. At least we can switch launchers.
Oh yea, on my Note 2 I did run a custom TouchWiz based ROM that did allow you to change the grid on the launcher. It only did this when installing the ROM but you could do it. Think I ran that ROM at 5x6 with a 6 icon dock. So maybe there is a way ti change that grid in TouchWiz--if rooted of course.
Michael
Sometimes certain widgets don't work when you change the grid.