Use extensions and gnome-tweak tool - probably you can fix your problems with the right extension.
Initially I was also rejected by GNOME 3 but now after adding a few extensions I just love it and it is the best desktop I ever used.
I love win key and Alt-~
dock@gnome-shell-extensions.gnome.org
alternative-status-menu@gnome-shell-extensions.gnome.org
drive-menu@gnome-shell-extensions.gnome.org
apps-menu@gnome-shell-extensions.gnome.org
places-menu@gnome-shell-extensions.gnome.org
Break_Dynamic_Workspaces@rmy.pobox.com
remove-accessibility-icon@martin-weusten.de
Also hacking is relatively simple javascript - I hacked so my dock is always between my screens (I have monitor on the left at work and on the right at home).
Hackers of the world, unite!