Let's get some things clear...
Guys,
You are getting way ahead of yourselves. VB does indeed give you all the resources that you should need in order to perform what you need to perform. You'll probably need to write a bit of code, however it certainly is possible.
Here's what you guys do:
Create the following Function(s):
CaptureDimensions() - Will loop through all controls on your form, it will only ever be run once you have got your GUI correct on your Design Machine. It will need to capture the Screen Size (Height & Width) it will then need to Capture the Sizes of your Form (H&W) as well as the Scale H&W of your form, then for each control, listen carefully here; Copy the Dimensions (ie. Top, Left, Height & Width as well as FontHeight & FontWidth) of your Controls and store this information as a PERCENTAGE (%) of the total Forms SCALE_SIZE(H&W).
Now when it comes to run-time, start with the Form (as a % of the Total Screen Size), then work your way down to the Controls (sizes first) and then worry about the Text (FontHeight & Width).
This should now allow you to compensate for any DAMNED thing the User decides to throw at you, whether they have their system set to Large_Fonts, Small_Fonts, or whether their screen size is 1600x1200 or whether it is 640x480, even if you have to set the Font size to 2points (extremely hard to read), however they chose that screen resolution, we (as the Programmers), are only there to make sure our Programs are the most dynamic & flexible they can possibly be.
Points of Note: Always Use the same scale mode - Pixels or twips work best, and only store the information as a percentage of the overall mass. (ie. the form_size as a % of the Screen Size, the control size & position as a % of the form_size, & the text_size as a % of the form_size).
Follow this formula and your program's GUI's should be just about BEAN proof (Mr. Bean, that is). And yes, although this will take quite a long time to resize everyting everytime they resize the form, DON't ALLOW THEM THE OPTION TO RESIZE THE FORM! - If we can deliver it perfect, it should be PERFECT!
And what about the long time at loadup?, well either display another form with a progress bar, or an animated GIF, but if your not willing to put in the effort to make it work, stop whingeing that it doesn't! - Grow some hair on your VB.Chest, pull out your VB.Finger & see what you can come up with.