Same here, I now even use FancyWM on any windows machine I need to work on to try and replicate part of the experience. I can't image anything else besides running Linux as my base hosts. The flexibility, power, and clarity of underlying systems compared to something like windows is what I never want to lose
i3 was pretty instant for me and made me go from casually using Linux at home to making Ubuntu 20 LTS a stable daily driver at work. I think I needed one tutorial to get my config and status bar then I was good to go. It took a little while longer to settle on a Tmux config but starting from scratch I very quickly got the most efficient workflow I have ever had.
I get it that it takes some knowledge and tinkering and therefore is not for everyone, but now I would get crazy as well, if somebody takes them off.