I use maximus 
to force applications to open in a maximized window, as suggested in this answer. [1] However, Pidgin message windows are not affected. When I start Pidgin, my buddy list doesn't appear [2] and my automatic group chats start, but they appear in the top left of the screen, not maximized.
How can I get Pidgin chat windows to start maximized? [3] Can I add/modify the Pidgin gtkrc file?
[1] I found it the simplest reliable solution of those given. It didn't seem to work 100% in 12.04, but targets 99% of windows in 13.10.
[2] By choice. If I do allow it to appear on startup, it will appear maximized.
[3] I'd prefer not to switch to another maximizer, unless it is as trivial to install. Devil's Pie, while very flexible, requires configuration. As a last resort, I considered installing DP just to make a Pidgin rule.
