Uhh, choose from countless other desktop environments out there for linux?!! Like I mentioned in the post, I used MATE desktop which is Gnome 2 style with classical UI metaphors. Works and is well supported.
> Gnome's prediliction for putting UI controls into the titlebar is dreadful, IMO.
It bothered me for an hour and then it was fine (as soon as I realized, it didn't interfere with dragging the window around). I'm talking about Gnome 40+ btw.
> However it seems that the designers of every other desktop OS have macOS envy.
Because it turns out the majority love it. Every developer/entrepreneur/maker soon realizes that having focus is crucial to success. In a lot of scenarios, that translates into accommodating the masses and if time and cost permits, allow for future customization.