compiz/gnome-shell / fixed window placement

[lurkatron]

am i right in thinking that you cant use compiz with gnome-shell?
and am i right in thinking you can use compiz with mate?

if so, in gnome-shell, how can i achieve fixed window placement? like firefox always opening in the top left, pidgin buddy list always bottom right and so on, like im used to? devilspie is a horrible alternative please tell me theres something else i can do. this is essential to me

[zerozero]

as far as i know this http://www.webupd8.org/2011/09/gnome-sh ... rt-on.html is the closest you have