You could create an activator menu and out all your dock apps in the menu. Then just perform the activator gesture and that menu pops up with all your dock apps.
Or you could create activator gestures for each individual app. But honestly, the menu is a better option in this particular case since you want quick access to a handful of apps.
Sorry I don't know how to place your dock in the app switcher. I don't know if its possible.