Didn't mean to actually suggest TDE for any default nor that the main
focus should be other than getting Devuan Jessie ready. XFCE4 is fine
(for now).

Just pointing out, TDE has an extensive application set (including an
office suit) with no need of gtk -anything (they forked qt3 for it)
nor systemd. Many are not even aware it exists, is actively maintained
and works well on a Devuan base.

D