I just heard on Mintcast a listener say why would anyone use Mate when they
can use XFCE? The Mintcasters agreed. :)

XFCE is a solid desktop that has a long history, it is well supported and
it is not unstable. Ever, in my experience. So I would have to agree that
Xubuntu with or without Compiz is a good alternative for disgruntled GNOME
2.x users.