I absolutely cannot use the Finder in any mode other than column view because I prefer that view's simplicity. But it was driving me nuts when I would use spring loaded folders to try and relocate files and the sprung open folder would be (usually) in icon view. For instance, I have my downloads go to a folder called 'Downloads' on my Desktop. When I drag that file to, say, 'Applications' in the Finder, 'Applications' would pop open in icon view, and it would be all scrambled. To make the folder 'Applications' stick to column view, I tried this trick, and it seems to have worked:
Close all Finder windows (or make sure the folder you want to fix is not open). In Terminal, type 'open /path/to/directory'. In my case I typed 'open /Applications'. The Finder will open the folder in the offending view that spring loaded folders uses. Pick your new view (e.g., View -> as Columns). Close the window.
From here on, the Finder should open that folder in the view that you just selected. I imagine that you could also use Go -> Go to Folder... in the Finder, but I did not try that. For me, the CLI is quicker.
[Editor's note: You can also do this by just command-double clicking on the folder to be set. It will open in a new window, and you can then set its view options. In addition to the view type, you can control the size of the window. I have an "Installers" folder that contains alphabetical folders for filing downloaded applications, and it pops open in a window just large enough to view all of the folders, allowing easy drag and drop filing.]
Mac OS X Hints
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20030114065913780