This is nonsense. The desktop environment is a secondary concern when it comes to building a console-like experience, and it being 100% proprietary does not mean it's not polished.
As far as I’ve been able to tell, OP is interested in an OS for their desktop or laptop, not steam deck, so desktop is likely a valid concern of theirs.
I agree the Steam Deck’s proprietary interface is decently polished.
No need to apologize, but thank you all the same. I remember back when compiz first came out and had a rotating cube desktop (virtual desktops). I kind of wish that stuff would make a comeback.
@notfromhere@greater_potater Gnome has the rotating cube desktop, burning windows and so on as extensions. Look up "rotating cube" and "burn my windows" in the extension page.