I, also, use systemd… When running Wayland and x11 window managers there are quite a few dependencies on systemd that are easiest ti handle by just using it. ;)

Looks like my cut & paste skills need work… here are the links I intended to give everyone:

Exodia (dwm, bspwm) Arch Distro: https://exodia-os.github.io/exodia-website/?ref=news.itsfoss.com

CachyOS (gnome, kde) Arch Distro: https://cachyos.org/

XeroLinux (Stable base Arch): https://xerolinux.xyz/

Well I use conky on i3wm, dwm, hlwm, openbox (setup and run as a tiler), swaywm ,dkwm… If you check forums on EOS, ArchLabs, Arch, Debian, BunsenLabs, Gentoo among a few you will find people using Conky on Tiling Window Managers. Here are a few articles and tutorials I have written on the topic, if you wish to read them:

https://eirenicon.org/?s=conky

As for your preference of what is or is not essential, that’s your preference; you are entitled to your preference. However, your preference does not necessarily mean that any, many, or most necessarily agree with you…

As for conky… I beg to differ. I believe it is essential. Just another point of view.