I use a vanilla Gnome without extensions - Arch Linux.
- clean desktop
- I don't want distraction desktop with tons of infos....app like NextCloud must running without infos about syn etc.
- for productivity need clean and optimal desktop with tiling windows
- 3 or 4 working desktops
- and keyboard shortcuts
Most important for me, less blotware, functional, clean and minimal distraction - minimalist desktop.
It's simple answer, my Linux (Arch Linux) is my OS with my choice what of app I have, faster, privacy (very important), just my, not from Windows or Apple, it's my choice what I will delete, install, use, how look my desktop... And my comp is ten years old and working like new.