Posted Nov 5, 2012 22:52 UTC (Mon) by ovitters (subscriber, #27950)
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I sometimes use overview mode, sometimes ALT-F2.
The different screen is to avoid any distractions. It focusses you on what you're currently doing (current application). I understand that for you the reasoning behind the way GNOME works is not what you like. But that is why there are multiple desktops and also why there are extensions in GNOME.