I’ve based my theme on sometimes I found but yes, I heavily adapted it. Theming is simple, awesome is flexible but not very pretty. It’s more about usbility. Easily define rules for specific windows, powerful keybindings and so one. For example my config defects if I’m using external monitor or not and changes the widgets accordingly. It’s just one if in the config. I don’t think it’s possible at all in gnome.
Oh my, yes. The benefit is that one you figure it out it’s super easy to create widgets. I wrote from 0 or adapted my own widgets for apt, Spotify, notes, timer, weather alerts… Basic plugins (like system monitor, battery, volume) you can just find online but when you need something custom is real easy. For example I wanted something to alert me when my pihole is down. 30 minutes of scripting and it’s in my tray.
I still only saw this popup once, some time ago. Go uBlock!