But the long and short of it is, if you want the buttons (and more) back, just install gnome-tweak-tool and pick the right options to re-enable them.
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I've been using the list archives for almost all my troubleshooting.� I am very interested in seeing that discussion, but I have not been able to find it yet.� Still looking. From my perspective I can't imagine anybody thinking that is a good idea.
I originally thought omitting the minimize button was crazy, but after using gnome3 for a month or so, I don't miss it at all. gnome3 has a different way of doing things; give it time. If you can "swoosh" into the activities area to rapidly select a different window, having a minimize button doesn't really make sense (or at least, it is redundant - and gnome has always opted for simplification over extra flexibility).
I also originally hated the default fonts, but I like them now - but I had to enable "Large Text" in the Accessibility button at the top.
I'm not sure about the task-switching method, though. I'm having a hard time using the alt+tab / alt+backtick combo naturally. I think it could be improved.
My 2 cents.
- Mike