I’ll keep editing as I go:

Install LaunchBox

bash$ sudo apt-get install gnome-launch-box
bash$ gconf-editor

Open apps->gnome-launch-box->bindings and set activate to

<Super>l

This allows gnome-launch-box to be activated using the Windows-L shortcut.

Next setup gnome-launch-box to start automatically. Open System->Preferences->Sessions and create a new Startup Program. I use this command line:

/usr/bin/gnome-launch-box -t -n

Install Compiz/Beryl merge latest

In progress.