Imo we shouldn't expect opinionated desktop environments like GNOME (and maybe Cosmic) to be directly comparable along objective lines. When desktop environment

Imo we shouldn't expect opinionated desktop environments like GNOME (and maybe Cosmic) to be directly comparable along objective lines. When desktop environments are inflexible/opinionated, they can be well-executed but still a poor fit for some users. Cosmic isn't trying to be a GNOME clone but to present an alternative vision. So if stock GNOME is lacking for you, Cosmic is an exciting alternative that may suit your needs as it matures. But if you're happy with GNOME, that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with Cosmic's design.