Comment 2 for bug 432635

Ted, I am recommending we use the same behavior used in Jaunty for Karmic, which I can describe only from observation -- perhaps mpt knows more:

 * When the session starts the icon displayed in the session menu is the Shut Down icon until I effect a status change by opening Empathy/Pidgin or by setting my status in the session menu.
 * Once I have connected, the status menu icon reflects my status (Available, Away, etc.) until I disconnect by setting my status to Offline in the session menu, or by quitting Empathy/Pidgin. Once offline, the session menu icon is set back to the Shut Down icon.

In other words, the session menu displays the Shut Down icon if and only if I am in a disconnected state; otherwise I am connected and the session menu icon should be a status icon determined by my current status.