Reporting this as a bug after Martin suggested this approach. I would like to suggest a couple simple fixes to make using the gradebook setup easier for teachers:

1. Allow editing the Max Grade for activities directly in the gradebook, by clicking the max points number, or the Edit button next to the Max Grade. (Ideally, just clicking the Max Grade for an activity would allow editing the number directly).
2. Allow renaming of activities directly in the gradebook by clicking a "pencil" icon, just as on the course home page. 
3. Enable the Edit button at bottom of gradebook setup to edit Course Total Max Grade, and Aggregation Method. 
4. Enable drag and drop

Screenshots attached. Faculty get frustrated by not being able to do #1 especially. 

Thanks for considering! Screenshots below.

Nathan