Really switch among all the applications by shortcuts
If you use &#x2318;+tab to go through your open applications, you should see even minimized ones, but if you select them, they don't automatically maximize/unminize. If you however press the option key after you've selected the desired minimized application but before releasing the &#x2318; key with &#x2318;+tab, the app window that was minimized to the dock will return to its previous view.

I know this probably isn't exactly what you're looking for, but perhaps it'll help nonetheless.

Following this tip should also create a window for apps with no active window (works for Mail, iTunes and Keynote).

You can also switch from an app to "itself" (by hitting shift+tab once) then holding option before letting go of command will unminimize or create the window.