@BrodieOnLinux Actually, I'd say that Mint is unifying, rather than fragmenting, Linux desktops.

There are a bunch of desktops who aren't served by the specific goals and needs of the GNOME Project.

By creating a separate "XApp" organization, Mint is choosing to collaborate with all these other desktops to create an alternative to the GNOME ecosystem.

I think it's a pretty valid reason to do this and it may also improve the quality and standards of alternative desktops in the long-term.