Two MATE package questions for Trisquel 8
1.) Will you be using the Gnome software center? If not, there is the MATE Welcome package that has a similar function (some say you can install via apt-get install ubuntu-mate-welcome --software-only) if you have a problem with the Gnome one. The MATE version lets you hide proprietary software, which could be an option if the package is compiled for Trisquel to have the checkbox to hide proprietary checked and then disabled. Oh and can just build for software installation only without the other Welcome stuff if needed.
2.) Will Trisquel 8 include the MATE Tweak tool? Its really handy for changing features and especially good for swapping between desktop styles (Cupertino, Ubuntu MATE, Gnome 2, Mutiny, etc) and switching between having no compositor or using Marco, Compton, or Compiz for the compositor instead.
If they go with Mate, I suppose it will not be the vanilla variety. I mean, they must retain the Trisquel look'n'feel (or is it Mint look?) -- one panel at the bottom and an applications menu. Right?
Back in the day when Gnome 2 ruled supreme, I used to have issues with Gnome panel applets summarily not appearing at boots or changing location/order at will.