They could have gone with any sensible approach and they choose an absolutely braindead one.
Luckily I was always a KDE user so I believe anybody who refuses KDE switch also has no footing to complain.
> So it went its own way with Unity instead: basically, a Mac OS X rip-off, only IMHO done better. Myself, I still use both Unity and macOS every day.
Why write this post to complain then?
The Docky/Plank thing has always mystified me, so can I ask: why?
An ordinary Xfce panel will do that and if you add the "docklike taskbar" plug in it integrates really well, without needing additional 3rd party tools and the extra RAM they use.
So... just: why?
Why? That's a harsh thing to say to me when all I'm trying to do is explain some history a lot of rich and influential people would prefer was forgotten.
> Why write this post to complain then?
I'm not complaining. I am trying to counter FUD that is obscuring documented history.
But you haven't actually shown any proof of your claim. You claim to "explain some history a lot of rich and influential people would prefer was forgotten", while offering no proof. While demanding proof that you aren't wrong.
Both GNOME and KDE had their highs and lows but in general they ended up OK.
Apologies if I was too harsh.