KDE 4.8 is the best KDE ever and exactly what I need and want. I am not
knocking other choices.

I don't need to compromise with Kubuntu. I get the best of both worlds. I
can take what I want from Ubuntu, Mint or anything in PPAs. And I get a
very configurable DE that works my way.

I have used other distros extensively, but have always gone back to
Kubuntu. It has not been perfect, but it has been one step ahead of the
competition.

I have seen what Canonical has done to Ubuntu in the same time frame and am
thankful that they have kept their hands off Kubuntu.