"Still can’t OS X around to maximize like Windows does. I am less distracted without the background or other Apps behind it."

Yup, that's one of the annoyances that hits a switcher. I had my time there too. 

Nowadays I basically don't touch the zoom button (the green one) and use command+M to minimize any window. Other than that I use two small app (freeware) that allow me to focus on a single window:

- Witch: windows switcher.
- Isolator: creates a background (mine is fully black) only leaving the foremost app above it. 