Riddell: Kubuntu Won't be Switching to Mir or XMir

Try Linux Mint - the core (APT, PPAs, etc) is Ubuntu-based, while the GUI is sensible: X-based with MATE as a Gnome 2 continuation or Cinnamon as a Gnome 2 like desktop built on Gnome 3. There are variants for KDE, XFCE, LXDE, etc, and there's also a rolling release version built on Debian (LMDE).

Unlike Ubuntu, the Mint developers seem very focused on listening to their desktop users, not chasing after a potential "big win" in tablets, mobile, etc.