I think the key difference here is the use of multiple virtual desktops in the tiling case. In my setup I typically have one vdesk for browsing, one for docs, o

I think the key difference here is the use of multiple virtual desktops in the tiling case. In my setup I typically have one vdesk for browsing, one for docs, one split between code/terminal. I may have others open for chat and music, and I can switch between any with one key combination, or resize with another. I love that when I open a new window it will maximize the screen real estate of wherever I put it. Granted, I've been using i3 for more than half a decade, but I do agree with sibling posters on how 'freeing' the experience is once you get used to it. There is no doubt a learning curve; but in my experience it's on the order of days.