I wrote a long series about just that topic a while back :).
It would function in the same manner, basically. I'd see two hot keys, one of which creates a new entry, the other of which shows the list of everything you've ever created, selectable by typing. But as noted, the lack of icons is probably the main issue. Still, for me, it will be a good practice exercise, so I might see what I can come up with…and maybe I can figure out how to solve the icon issue, too :).
I doubt it'll replace your elegant solution, but I'm curious if I can make it work.
-rob.