I like it, even though I’m not sure if I would call it the GNOME official workflow (is that even a thing?). I usually don’t get close to having 10 applications open. I tend to work with about 1 to 3 workspaces with various applications based on my needs. Furthermore, I keep the windows non-maximized which helps me condense more information yone screen

I like it, but is it programmer humor?

Edit: typos

I’m unsure whether a drop-in replacement exists. I use Lawnchair. It doesn’t have the newsfeed when swiping left, but if you’re okay with changing your flow a bit it could be good (enough) for you. You could create something with widgets (or maybe plugins) that replicate what you currently have.