If all else fails, there is a longshot that you can try.
There is a hidden feature that you can unlock that could give you more control over your notification bar and a few other options as well.
The thing is, it is different on all makes and models of devices, so I can't really say what you will or won't get out of it.
At any rate, there is no harm in it, and it can be fun.
What you are going to do is pull down the quick settings menu, and locate the settings pinwheel.
Tap and hold it, for about 10 seconds- until it animates (spins).
You will see a toast message confirming that you are unlocking the System UI Tuner.
Now go into your settings, and under System there should be a new option- System UI Tuner.
Select that and go through it and see what is available.