I want to simply change the number of rows/columns on the main gallery page but can't find it ANYWHERE in the settings on where to do this. I know it has to be in the settings area some where....where the heck is it?

You'll find those options in the theme options.
You can set the [i]thumbnails per row[/i] and [i]thumbnails per page[/i] for albums and images.
You may have to change the CSS of the theme to get the result you want.

Also the size set for the thumbnails naturally affects this (Which also depends on the theme theme use which you didn't tell).