Been a long time i3 user. Usually works well if you put in the initial time. But of late been very happy with Xubuntu (xfce)

Why not both? XFCE + i3 make a great pair.

I use XFCE too, simple and doesn’t get in the way.

I had to migrate away from Xubuntu (xfce) due to the poor HiDPI support. Kubuntu (KDE/Plasma) is now my current desktop of choice.