Have you tried no desktop at all, for even less bloat? I went from not installing X at all, to installing it with a desktop, then back down to X with just a simple window manager. I don't miss the desktop.
I'd love to go completely sans graphics but it makes basic web application testing problematic. And in the end, the bloatphobia is not warranted - just a curious pastime.
It's kind of funny to see comments like the one you're responding to. I remember when Enlightenment was considered "bloated"... and then it stayed the same for a while, and suddenly was considered "lightweight".
Not sure if I'll actually try the new version though. I have E16 configs that haven't been touched since the last millennium, and still work. Would be tough to give up on that kind of track record.
I'd love to go completely sans graphics but it makes basic web application testing problematic. And in the end, the bloatphobia is not warranted - just a curious pastime.