Since engage isn't being upgraded to work with the newer gadgets nor is it part of the new theme system, maybe it's possible to re-implement the features it offered into the shelf and it's associated modules?
A (possibly partial) list of features found in engage but not in the shelfs:
- Icons-only taskbar: The ibar module only shows iconified tasks while the taskbar module has a hard coded label to each task. Engage simply shows icons. This can be implemented as an ibar option or a taskbar option. Preferably, the two modules could be merged by giving the ibar the options to show non-iconic tasks and to show\hide label.
- Hide when window overlaps: When opted, The shelf will hide as a window is dragged \ placed over it.
- Separator: engage has a fixed separator between gadgets. This could be implemented by a dummy gadget that allows settings a fixed width and is otherwise invisible.
- Zoom: An effect where icons are enlarged as the mouse is passed over. This might be impossible to implement since the shelf size might need to stay fixed.
The third a fourth aren't really too crucial. The first two are.
I think if this list would be addressed, at least three modules (engage, ibar and taskbar) could be merged into one easier to maintain code base. I'm mentioning this especially in light of the recent flurry of crushes, bugs and following commits made recently with this modules.