I don't really agree. Imagine you were happy user of old Gnome 2, like e.g. my father. Then out of sudden Gnome 3 came, totally different in every aspect. What were your options? Either deal with it or get something different. Experienced users might (easily) overcome this, but regular user struggle. In case of my dad it meant return to windows...
Sure gnome doesn't force you to use it. Neither does MS with windows. You're free to install whatever you like, even TempleOS if you want.