Feature Request: quick lock for panel autohide

[Bob Snyder]

I like to set the panel to autohide. But sometimes I want to be able to 
glance at it just to see, for example, what the Netload meter is 
reading. Or what might be running on another workspace. I'd like a way 
to very quickly lock the panel in the visible state, and just as quickly 
unlock it back to normal. I'm way too lazy to open the panel properties 
and change the autohide property.

I suspect that this could be done using the Two-State Launcher (although 
I wouldn't know what to set the commands to). But that takes up panel 
space unnecessarily. How about something like a middle click on a panel 
'handle'? Or how about adding another selection for the System Buttons? 
I don't use the 'Info' button much any more. That button could be 
configured to toggle the 'autohide lock' on and off. And there's no 
reason why there needs to be only four choices for the system buttons.

Alternate ideas welcomed.

Bob S.