You can also drag right from Explorer/Finder. Bridge is not necessary. I'm not even sure how to avoid having a layer keeping the name the designer gave it? I've never had that happen. Doesn't really help with the templates issue, though.
Oh yes... I do this, too with my photos. It's just easier for me to see everything supply-wise in Bridge. If you open an element in PS and then drag it over, it won't have the name attached to it. I don't do that because it's an extra, unnecessary step. And no, it doesn't help with templates. I was merely saying how I keep up with the "stuff" I use on pages.
I use Anna Forrest's tracker and love it, too. Once in a blue moon, it doesn't track and it's always tough to remember when I use a LOT of stuff on my layouts.