Same here, 2017 unity is fast, stable and beautiful.
I hope this move results in the same improvements coming to gnome. but I'm not upgrading for now.
People should know that Ubuntu-mate with mutiny layout is an alternative for some. Unlike 17.10, it keeps the global menus and HUD, but not the launcher (uses synapse instead).
I'd say that Ubuntu MATE (16.04) with the redmond layout and advanced menu enabled is the best alternative to Windows 7 I've yet seen in a Linux distro.