Archers - Desktop environment question

[SMN]

So im getting fed up of gnome 3 in fallback mode, it is falling to bits (the clock on the top bar has disappeared now much to my chagrin).

I tried openbox yesterday and used xcompmgr, but it is so ugly to use and look at. Is there anyway to make it... "nice"?

I also tried LXDE (it wont even boot into it), and elementary (e19) - same issue. I have dual mon's FWIW.

I was reading around about running compiz solely as the DM/WM, is anyone doing this?

Thx,
Sam

PS: In before "im an aesthetics hore".

 

[SMN]

Thanks guys. Yeah PermaBanned, I think thats my problem too - so much residual stuff on this system causing issues. Tempted to blat it and start from scratch.

I installed MATE desktop as per Jack, amazed that they have ported gnome 2.6! Thats going to be a pig to support - but i was so happy when i saw panels in gnome we can RIGHT CLICK ON again

I might give XFCE a go, or try one of lesser knowns again like e17?