That seems like a strange gripe, why would I care as a user whether configuration is stored in dconf or some config file? And even if I cared, why would that ma

That seems like a strange gripe, why would I care as a user whether configuration is stored in dconf or some config file? And even if I cared, why would that make me choose a different desktop environment? If those are your priorities, then by all means, choose a different DE, but don't extrapolate from your niche needs to everyone else.