XFCE
Been using XFCE for years. Will probably continue using XFCE for years. It has a task bar, a "start menu" and a normal usable desktop area. Throw in xbindkeys and my collection of shortcut scripts, there is nothing else I need.
Thankfully there are all those other desktops to keep UI/UX people distracted in 5 year circles of pointless improvement and career-driven-development... stay away from XFCE.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
