no, use xfce. Ubuntu is many systems and as a "Hacker" of course you make it your own - that is the reason for running Linux, you control every process.
I'm using Regolith, which is a Ubuntu distro with i3wm. Compared to the default GNOME 3 setup, I find it a lot easier to customize from Regolith and reach a productive state.
Yes, that is one of the most important reasons for me to use Linux on Notebooks and Workstations everywhere - so much time gained not baby sitting the OS every few weeks, that is still a great experience!