Bubble Columns and River Flow

First, wouldn't it be nice to not only have bubble columns that go up and down, but sideways as well? There should be a block that pushes/pulls water causing bubble columns to cause push or pull each direction. This could be useful for complicated elevators and item transportation. Even technical players could use it for advanced mob farms.

Second, invisible bubble columns could even form in rivers to create more realistic rivers that flow. All it would take is some editing in river generation and perhaps a flowing animation for the water. Perhaps even a sound produced by these columns could take place, adding an atmospheric aspect to rivers. It may be quite beautiful

Feel free to share your thoughts