There is still a problem with my solution--it doesn't restore custom layouts set with setxkbmap. Nevertheless, it has been found to work with the default localizations, which is good enough for the vast majority of users.

It can probably easily be adapted to work with setxkbmap instead of the current gconftool-2 to make a fully transparent solution, and i invite anyone who does so to share their improvements.

Anyway, my dirty hack has been wikified.

PS You're welcome...