I use KDE and have found that it rivals the xp gui. Maybe those who are complaining don't use the latest version or don't want to accept change
As for GNOME, its a 'uer-friendly-and-make-it-as-dumb-as-possible' piece of junk if you cannot do something as simple as a file association. Another one of their make it so simple schemes. Check the uncyclopedia entry on gnome to see what i mean
Nikhil