I'm not sure if there is such an option, but I'd say that most programs do have this functionality built into them. For example if you use LibreOffice, you have that option under the "File" menu:
For recent Documents, You can find that in Nautilus (the File Manager generally named ''Files''). Open it and on the left Side look at the first Entry and click on it:
For recent Programs, there would be a Possibility: When you would use instead of the Zorin StartMenu the Gnome Extension ArcMenu, there You can add this. Unfortunately this isn't available in the Zorin StartMenu.
If you are looking for a desktop that is as freely configurable as possible, XFCE (Zorin lite) is better than Gnome (Zorin core). But in both versions Zorin contains some restrictions which you can avoid by using the whisker menu (XFCE) or arc menu (Gnome). However, both have to be installed first. Personally, I think it's worth the effort as it allows much more user-friendly settings. Some things are easier in this respect in Windows, because they are already possible by default.
I have to agree/disagree. I don't like how the Panel editor works abstractly by being a vertical representation of a horizontal panel and the fact that any launchers of apps you add to the panel just get named as 'Launcher' so you have to work out which Launcher is 5th in the list to move it up to 3rd place (3rd from the right on the panel). This is why I prefer Plasma that gives you more alternative menus that can be added via the 'Get new Widgets' option.
That's absolutely true, I confirm. I'd also prefer plasma therefore, unfortunately it needs more ressources than XFCE. But when you only use the normal desktop environments of Zorin and you don't want to change it, this are the easiest possibilities you have to customize.