"Normal people" don't use linux, so I don't buy your argument, sorry. I'd rather linux distributions stopped optimizing for idiots who can't tell what's going on without huge icons.
That said, I don't see how xfce is worse than gnome in its current state, so it's entirely win-win situation imho.
A number of normal people I know use linux. The scenario is usually: 1) Computer "breaks", ie needs os reinstall 2) they don't have os media 3) I offer a choice of buying a full copy of Windows or trying linux for free. Some that choose linux find it isn't for them. Some stick with linux.
That said, I don't see how xfce is worse than gnome in its current state, so it's entirely win-win situation imho.