In order not to cross spears with the new Microsoft policy, it may be worth abstracting from the idea of following the taskbar, and creating a separate application that simulates the taskbar (with the ability to attach folder icons and program launch icons there).. And define a place for the regular taskbar on the opposite side of the desktop and select auto-hide mode.
Then the wolves will be fed and the sheep will be safe.
Is it really possible to do this?