Typing this on an Ubuntu MATE 16.04 machine as we speak! Definitely the best of "old school" GNOME Ubuntu revived; I think UbuMATE might even have a better MATE implementation than Mint. It's definitely my favorite Linux distro as of now and I'll continue using it on my main machine for the foreseeable future.
My favorite part of Linux (aside from its open-source nature) is its customization features, and Ubuntu MATE makes it super easy out of the box. I've got the MATE menu on my top bar and a dock on the bottom (since Apple has also screwed the pooch on macOS the same way Ubuntu did with Unity).
Thanks for bringing more attention to an awesome OS! I'm already following you, but I can toss you an upvote ;)
Thanks for stopping by. I love Ubuntu Mate and I also think it is better than Mint Mate.