Unlike some recent 3D WM that can switch between workspaces in a loopy way, Metacity switches in a linear way.
I would mean with "linear" and "loopy" the way a switch to a nonexistent workspace is handled:
 * linear: as in Metacity presently, if the user tries to switch to a nonexistent workspace, the WM doesn't do anything.
 * loopy: as with 3D cubes like in Compiz or so, a switch to a nonexistent workspace goes to the opposite workspace; e.g. a switch to the right from the right workspace goes to the first left workspace, as if the first were neighbor of the last.

I think the loopy layout is more efficient for users with a large number of workspaces 'cause it allows them to switch from the last to the first workspace with a single keybinding.
But I think too that some users become lost with this layout, and I suppose that to have the choice is a good idea.

I hope Metacity implements it in future versions :)

I've written the patch below that fixes my request by allowing users to choose with a GConf entry the way the workspace switching works, as I described above.


Cheers,
C. Wendling