Interesting thread!
I have a very simple answer to the original question:
Yes, I have an easy workaround! There is one condition, you may not use modifiers or anything other than [a-z0-9].
So, not including quotes, I personally have typed string triggers like ["bfr", "pt", "live", "su", "sd"] which are set to trigger things, mostly single apps, shortcuts, or macros, such as "StartUp" or "ShutDown" referring to su or sd typed strings.
I actually trigger them when Finder is focused. For me, that's generally an easy mouse click between some windows, or a quick key macro that focuses the Finder. When Finder has focus, I use an F-key to turn on the command palette containing my typed string triggers. Every time a string trigger fires, the macro I trigger turns the palette off so typed strings are only listened for after hitting F-something, triggering one, then it turns off.
Using [a-z0-9] only, the icon selected on the desktop might jump around (if you type "doc", "document.txt" will be selected maybe, but if you don't hit [cmd+o], nothing will open).
I don't need to be using an editor or text field. The icon selection jumping around is sort of the only weird thing.
When I turn on my secondary display and docks and devices for my audio work, finally pressing the power button on my iMac, I then have a flow to open and organize my windows for the work of the day. Flowing my hands in one direction, then hitting the F-key on the other way, and typing "su" then going another way and returning to the F-key again "mb" is ergonomically satisfying. Less clicking and moving the mouse in repetitive motions.