Comment 7 for bug 541609

That is important. If the inspiration is from OS X style "menu icons", then you might as well copy the useful part: all of the "status"-type icons (Wifi, battery) in OS X also display a entry that gives the current status when you open their menu [this includes signal strength, battery status/charging time, etc]. These are inactive items to prevent them from being clicked.

This doesn't fix the "no-click" regression mentioned, but at least you should be able to get the status from the indicator icon menu without opening a brand new window or applet.