why no "avoid on maximize" option* in gnome2?

[Adam Kessel <adam bostoncoop net>]

Apparently, the "avoid on maximize" configuration option in gnome2 was
removed as "cruft" (see
<http://mail.gnome.org/archives/gnome-2-0-list/2001-December/msg00123.html>).

Can someone explain why this option is no longer possible and/or
necessary?  I previously liked to have windows maximize beyond the panel
(i.e., panel always on top, window maximizes under it).  Is there a way
to reproduce this functionality under gnome2 and sawfish-gnome? (I'm
running the Debian gnome2 experimental packages).
---
Adam Kessel (adam bostoncoop net)