I'd rather have the resources available for use in my applications, not being pointlessly chewed up by my desktop environment. That's why I always use the Mate

I'd rather have the resources available for use in my applications, not being pointlessly chewed up by my desktop environment. That's why I always use the Mate desktop: Small footprint, and does everything a desktop environment should: manage your environment & apps, have clean UX, and otherwise get the hell out of your way.