If there is user feedback there is 'more than 8' then that is plausible.

Scrolling down goes much faster than on e.g. Symbian where you need to click down various times in order to scroll down whereas its quick to go left or right. Compare with your Nokia E71's messaging system (not Nokia Messaging, the ancient one). Speaking of which, while I like the navigation and its consistent with rest of UI (which Nokia Messaging is not!) it shows even 'Outbox' when its empty. Useless IMO. Same for 'Draft'. And some others.

I don't know the UI in this case btw so take with grain of salt but maybe the swipe right to left or left to right can visually bring one to a dashboard where avatar with what was last performed (with extra accent on those 'missed') is shown, or allowing a way to allow the user to define filters. Although I'd first wait for more feedback.