xfce + kupfer = solution. Of course, you have to have a "Meta-Space <type first letters of app>" style of interaction mode, but I'm finding it quite an accepta

xfce + kupfer = solution. Of course, you have to have a "Meta-Space <type first letters of app>" style of interaction mode, but I'm finding it quite an acceptable DE/Shell environment to replace the horrible, stinking mess of Unity.