Hm, how often do you need to use an application that you don't know the name of? I find search a great way of starting applications, especially since it doesn't require me taking my hands off the keyboard... (Press the super key, type the first few letters, hit enter. Done.)

That is the way for one off applications. Applications that you use once in a while, like a DVD writer. Or applications that you set up once and forget it, like f.lux. I usually have to install several applications before finding the DVD writer that works for my setup and file type. After 5 months, I doubt I will remember which of those I used. A reliable way of navigating to a section on the menu where all installed DVD writers would be listed will be a God send. Of course, I can key in "DVD" or some other term and pray it shows up. It will work if the DVD is in the same of the app, or if the developer thought through the use cases of myriad environments and had included DVD in the description. Unfortunately if I had installed an app for some use other than its primary purpose, remembering that and searching for it certainly made me pull my hair out.

Exactly. Open by search is a great addition to the user experience, and it's how I open apps most of the time on my computer.

However, it is not a complete replacement, and breaks down for several edge cases like the one you describe.

Hm, how often do you need to use an application that you don't know the name of?>

I'd say this is a weekly occurrence for me. But it is every single time they use the computer for those who are normal or beginner users.

Isn't the application launcher you can use from the keyboard a common basic feature of all linux desktops ? Though it is better when it is optional and people who wants to use it can, instead of being mandatory and in your face and feels like a workaround for a badly designed UI/UX as it is in unity.