Consistent, clear application start-up notifications

[Ricflomag]

On aging or low-end computers, most applications take several seconds to 
start. In many cases (in particular when opening a file from nautilus or 
the dash), there is no notification of the pending operation, which is 
confusing and frustrating.

A solution might rely only on bettering the existing notification 
mechanisms (wait cursor / pulsing launcher icon).

But Unity could have a more consistent and clear start-up notification 
system that would be triggered independdently of how an application is 
started (whether directly from the launcher, on opening a file, or from 
another application).

Any other questions on this matter ?
Plans, ideas ?