Recs.
Updated
Specs
Pros
Pro Fallback mode offers a classic look
For people looking for older, more classic looks, Fallback mode offers just that. Ubuntu users can have this option by installing a package called "GNOME-Session-Fallback." In the future to be released GNOME 3.8, the Fallback Mode will not be included, so this is really not a long-term solution.
Pro Customizable with easy-to-install extensions
With the right plugin enabled in your browser (comes with Firefox by default) you can browse and install with two clicks the many Shell Extensions available from here. These are listed automatically based upon the version of Gnome Shell you currently have installed.
Pro Easy theming
Changing the look (and feel) of Gnome Shell is easy, shell theme, icon, windows and graphical elements (gtk). individually for each user. Mostly its installing some packages or unpacking some archive to a themes folder and using selecting the new theme in e.g. gnome-tweak-tool. There a lot of really good theme on deviantart.
Pro Cairo-Dock integrates awesomely
For the record many cairo-dock icons can be "detached" to act as a desktop gadget, and they are extremely customizable. Examples are, a Clock, System Monitors, Trash, Wifi, App Menu, and the list goes on.
Cons
Con Relies too much on systemd
Unlike other desktop environments, GNOME relies on systemd-logind for its sessions, which make distros with other init system cannot run properly; even with elogind (Gentoo's project to strip systemd-logind out of systemd to a seperate component), features such as clock settings might not work as intended.
Con Touchscreen Support is still buggy
Using Wayland would be recommended when you have a touchscreen, since it has the best support for touchscreens input.
Still, sometimes a single touch is not well received and misclicks happen.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Pro Touchscreen friendly
It works well with any touchscreen-enabled system, including newer laptops, even to the point of including a well-designed on-screen keyboard.