Drito

I customised Xfce a lot, only with menu settings. I removed the window tabs from the status bar, the focused window title is written on the status bar. The window manager was removed for bspwm. The result is an optimized screen space while keeping the convenience of a DE.

I use Xfce with a swap of the window manager by Bspwm. I got the easy to configure Xfce status bar (instead of things like polybar and others...) and also the Xfce terminal, file manager... The window title is written to the status bar. I use Super + B/N to switch the workspaces. Some apps are set to floating mode like the image viewer, the calculator... So everything can be displayed in a good tiling WM and I don't need to manipulate windows.

Redhat rewrites everything "not invented here" and put these things under "systemd" name. There are misundestanding between people that have political concerns, and people just happy to get unified shiny things. If one day Redhat provides a Systemd-OS I'm sure most people will be happy, and will shit on the previous system, with a separated kernel and the freedom of composing your own OS. Most people just wants an open-source Windows and I can understand that. But I also understand people that are ready to sacrifice some convenience to get a composable OS that can be maintained outside of big companies, thanks to simpler components

I installed Arch like that. When I had to do a new install, I forgot everything, then I used archinstall with Xfce option and it worked fine.

If you hardware is compatible, go for it !

Xfce is more stable and less demanding for laptops comparing to Kde. The default can be changed easily. Im glad Xfce still exists !

Doas has a readable config file and it is easier to add an user. To answer your question On an MX install.

Xfwm -> bspwm

Dont remember -> nsxiv

Don't remember -> mpv

Featherpad -> Mousepad

You are used to KDE and Gnome is very different But also KDE is buggy, I dont know how Steamdeck people make it better. If you chose Xfce, you will get a KDE similar desktop but more robust. Xfce can look modern with few efforts. MX Linux distro is a good example of a nice Xfce config.

Xfce allowed me to replace the default window manager by Bspwm. Also the panels are fully configurable. This is a totally different philosophy.

I use Xfce with Bspwm as a window manager. A plugin writes the window title in the status bar. Window decoration is just a rectangular outline. Its hard to get a more space efficient gui.

Xfce works nicely with Bspwm window manager. I dont need polybar or other hard to configure status bars. Xfce panels are easier and you can make them looking like a typical polybar if you want 😉. Maybe Mate can do the same, idon't know.

Kiss linux. Gobolinux. They are both alien, but interesting, each one in its own way.