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Or, alternatively, just do this:

2. notice how frustrating this gnome + metacity setup is
3. replace metacity with openbox + fbpanel
4. get rid of gnome and take off



Well, OK. As you say, it isn't for everybody.

But if some people are indeed looking for a lightweight desktop to bring some new life back to older hardware, that is still capable of running current gtk applications at useable speed, then those people do need to understand how to go about it.

Replace Gnome. Or replace KDE. replace the "heavy" bit that is holding the system down. That is the trick.

As you point out, there are several viable way to do that replacement. It isn't really an argument ... pick something that suits your purpose and fits the bill ... or don't. You could just go & buy new kit if you have the money and you don't feel inclined to experiment here. The point is ... there are some people who do want to do something functional and lightweight with old hardware. If you don't want to do that then fine, don't, and don't waste your time reading a thread like this and getting yourself all irritated about it.