Comment 9 for bug 667050

I found a workaround on the Skype forums that may be helpful.
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=332401

Here's what I did:
- downloaded the python script in that post (ensures that only a single instance of skype is started)
- copied the script to /usr/local/bin
- edit the "Main Menu" and added a new item called skype-single-instance in the network category
  + also used the same skype icon (/usr/share/icons/skype.png)
- started the skype-single-instance from the dash
- when the icon showed up in the launcher I right-clicked and selected "keep in launcher"

now I can close the skype contacts window with ALT-F4 or the close button and if I want Skype back I can click on the skype-single-instance icon in the launcher.