I would like to have an option (gconf option or otherwise) to have the location
bar as a permanent part of the file selector, similar to the previous GTK+ version.
This location bar should behave exactly like the floating location box that
opens with Ctrl-L. To be more specific - when you start writing, it will
complete the file as much as possible. The files shown and/or the directory
current will update when you press Enter (which currently closes the box). The
permanent location bar should also have the same regex ability as the floating box.
When the location bar is "switched on", I would like the focus to jump directly
to this location bar, when the file selector is first opened.

Rationale:
Similar to Windows UI (I believe that this is similar to Mac, but I can't
verify), allowing people to adapt easily.
Similar to previous GTK+ UI, likewise.
Intuitive, since if it appears it is far easier to find it, than using Ctrl-L on
a selector without it.
Allowing people who were in love with the powerfull shell-completion of previous
GTK+ to use it. Personally, I (almost) always open files using Ctrl-L and shell
completion. Having the location bar permanent would really make it simpler for me.

This was discussed on Gnome-UI list, the last message was
http://mail.gnome.org/archives/usability/2004-May/msg00000.html.

Since there were no comments exclaiming (and explaining) that this will bring
GNOME down in flames, I take it as indicating a lack of strong resistance (if
not acceptance, since some messages seemed to like it).