Dual-Display Setup with Screen-Specific Applications

I currently have a MacBook Pro connected to an external 24" display via Mini-DisplayPort. I traditionally have "small" apps like iCal, iTunes, etc... display on my smaller MBP screen while "larger" apps like MS Word or Firefox are kept on the external 24" screen. The menu bar is set on the external 24" display.
Every time I disconnect the MBP and reconnect it later, these apps all switch around so that the small ones show up on the external display while the large ones appear on the MBP screen. Then I have to drag them over one by one to get them how I like it again. It's a very annoying process that I have to do over and over again.
Is there anyway to set "defaults" for which screen an application is assigned to display onto? I called Apple support about this and they simply told me it was the "expected behavior" but I'm still looking for a solution, third-party or otherwise. Thank you.

*Lots and lots* of people run dual displays, as a quick scan of the posts here makes clear. Here are just a few possible explanations for the failure of a satisfactory solution to appear in this forum:
• None of those people is experiencing the same thing that's bothering you.
• None of them is as bothered by it as you are.
• None of them who is bothered has figured out how to remedy it.
• No one who is bothered by it and has found a remedy has visited this forum and read your post.
• No one who has read your post and could answer your question has taken the trouble to do so.
• There is no solution; the answer you got from Apple is really the answer.
Any of these possibilities may explain the lack of a posted solution. One of the fundamental verities about these forums that you have to accept is that no one here owes you a solution. Many questions do draw highly satisfactory responses, and if you get one, great, but there's no guarantee. I understand that you're frustrated, but the forum is what it is, and being grumpy and impatient won't attract the help you want. After a few bumps, you may just have to accept that no one knows what to tell you.
In case you suspect that I'm holding back out of sheer perversity, I don't use a second monitor (other than a portable projector on occasion). I haven't seen the problem that's annoying you, and I don't know what to suggest doing about it.

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