I switched to MATE a couple of years ago owing to its classic desktop: Menu in upper left corner, ability to put FF, TB, Home & Terminal launchers across the top. I am not a sophisticated user, but very pleased with MATE. I hope that the newer MATE can easily be configured to continue with the Desktop I am used to versus the newer format. I believe what I like is called the "classic gnome desktop". (for whatever reason, I do not like having icons docked on the left of the desktop)
mark bower
arcadia, CA