It did! I loved that DE. it was shortly before then that i first installed Ubuntu and Unity just felt fresh and futuristic.

But I think it's as you say - desktop is not the priority for Canonical. I'd add that because of their relative size they try and force their way onto the scene even if the consensus is the other way - see wayland and snaps.

still i after i made the rounds i settled on Pop Os and don't see myself switching any time soon