One solution that I am currently employing (I use Ubuntu studio - which uses the XFCE desktop) is to install the following, after installing the OS:
Mate Panel
Mozo
Caja
Then, I go into settings and use Caja as the default file manager. I also issue the following startup commands:
killall xfce4-panel
mate-panel
So, it’s essentially XFCE. But with the two things I like about Mate. Namely, the traditional gnome2-like panel (with the excellent Mozo menu editor) and Caja.
I also have installed lxtask as the xfce task manger is not good showing current total RAM usage.
I have installed Ubuntu mate themes and Mate-faenza icons. The xfce theme manager can be used to apply these system wide. So, all in all, it looks pretty UM-like.
Finally, there is a bit of housework to do on the menu. The mate-logout button (on the system menu) needs to be hidden cos it wont work. To do this, install dconf-editor. Then open dconf-editor and navigate to org/mate/desktop/session and disable the logout. This will make it disappear from the system menu. Finally, you can add an XFCE logout item back to the system menu via mozo with a custom application entry. The command for which is:
xfce4-session-logout
There are one or two other bits and bobs to do to get it absolutely spot on. But, I wont mention them here unless you decide to go ahead. In which case, just ask.
