Disable new windows auto opening in background
Me too I suffered from app window shyness. I found how to fix it, though.
get
compizconfig-settings-managerPress Alt+F2 and type
ccsmclick on "General Options"
Select the "Focus and Raise Behaviour" tab
Check "Auto-raise" and set "Focus Prevention" level to Off
That fixed things up for me. Hope it does for you as well.