No worries friend :)

You can place things anywhere down to the pixel, not just snapped to a grid like with Nova (though, there is option for a grid of apps, also).

It's a bit of fiddly process if it's complicated, but you can layer and place things however you want.

There is no dock, you can however pin items to show on every screen, which is basically the same thing, so that would also fit that criterion.

Also 4 swipe directions on icons for extra shortcuts beyond tap (last I used nova, it was just up and down? It's been many years).

Basically, can highly recommend Total Launcher, though in fairness, I have not tried some of the other launchers listed by others here.

The one time fee for pro is pretty affordable, iirc. The Dev is also pretty responsive via email