I still don't understand why they insist on removing window-based task management when they continue to use window-based applications and workflows, so I will continue to complain about this
I think the number-of-actions to get to a particular window (or even another app) is too high in Gnome. Why is the task/app switching bar a mouse-move or windows-key + another click away? The task list should be visible on your screen at all times if you choose, because there are very few apps that actually effectively utilize the full-screen.
I mean, every major desktop environment (including non-Linux) have this right. I think this issue is definitely something you can ignore by getting used to it but it's still an issue. I really feel like Gnome makes "different and new" a higher priority than UX.
We spent the last 25 years of computer history teaching both the users and the computers how to multitask, only for the most recent user designers to try their damnedest to take it away from us.
App-based task management is also pre-CS5 Photoshop on OSX. Programs which have multiple windows per document need those windows brought to the front together.
Yes, Gnome has panel addons, but they are ugly and rudimentary, and can only be placed at the bottom of the screen.