I’m really sorry but Joplin is not and will not ever be “objectively” better than Obsidian. SilverBullet is subjectively better than Obsidian though. Note taking is such a heavily opinionated matter that there’s no scope for objectivity there.

There is so much missing from Gnome that is present in most other DEs and even custom WM setups.

There are also plenty of features that gnome has that kde and other desktops and wms don’t have. It’s all about tradeoffs and what’s acceptable or necessary for you.