RFXC: Best visual builder for use in Eclipse?

I see the latest version Visual Editor only mentions Eclipse 3.6 / Helios. Does that mean it won't install into 3.7 / Indigo?

At any rate, is this (VE) the recommended way to go avoid the declarative unpredictable layouts?

I don't know where that "X" came from - inadvertent pinky dance, I guess...

If you don't know Swing then I would suggest avoiding GUI tools.
They're best used by people who understand both Swing and the tool itself, and for producing quick front ends.