Comment 1 for bug 589116

Well, I found what may be a partial solution to this most annoying problem. If you have Desktop Effects turned on try this:

1. Go to System -> Preferences -> CompizConfig Settings Manager.
2. Click on the 'General Options' button.
3. Click the 'Focus & Rise Behavior' tab.
4. Change the 'Focus Prevention Level' drop down to 'off'.

Some quick testing seems to indicate success, I hope it lasts and doesn't produce nasty side-effects.