I decided to install MATE a bit over a week ago since I'd become frustrated with modern GNOME and felt like XFCE wasn't quite right as I had it configured. I have to say, I really am enjoying it. Maybe it's just that I have memories of GNOME 2, but I like how every part seems to have a clear purpose and I can see what's important without it taking up too much space. I often get the sense that a lot of UI design is more about replicating a certain digital aesthetic than making sure the components are functional.

Some parts I really have enjoyed:

1. It runs super smoothly on my 10 year old laptop. It's always a plus to get a bit more time out of this thing.
2. Everything important has a skeuomorphic element rather than being hidden behind a gesture.
3. It works in a completely reasonable way out of the box. I'm the kind of person who is easily tempted to get to tweaking settings, but with MATE I actually think "yeah that's fine" and leave it be. It's a strange feeling!