Window focus confusion in unity
Solution 1:
I had the same problem and solved it by going into CCSM > General Options > Focus & Raise Behaviour. There, all I did was change the Focus Prevention Level to Low. Now, when I open an application via the Dash, it open up on top and has focus.
Solution 2:
In CCSM, under General Options, you can play around with the auto-raise and its delay.
I would guess that having auto-raise on, and the delay set to 0, would keep the window in focus on top, regardless.
I must admit I'm struggling a little to understand exactly the behavior you want, or how to duplicate it; so this might be a little bit off the mark.
Solution 3:
I never did get this to work right in 11.10, in spite of tweaking CCSM and other antics. My final answer? Upgrade to 12.04; precise got unity in to much better shape for prime time.