For those who are interested, I invite you to follow an effort on my part to build MATE on Ubuntu environment having NO pre-installed applications.
It starts from an “Ubuntu Server” base, which has NO snap packages installed as part of that ISO.
My intent is to then offer a process to select Applications by name under different headings of functionality/scope, kind of like choosing from a curated box-checking list, but more than just that.
If interested, that effort of mine is discussed here:
This is actually a great idea.
Having the ability to explicitly choose which applications get installed with the system is something I’ve always appreciated — and honestly, I’ve often wished there were more Linux distributions that offered this kind of curated, modular installation approach by default.
Due to time constraints, I never seriously considered working on something like this myself, so it’s really nice to see someone taking the initiative.
Looking forward to seeing how your project evolves 
While I pursue this journey, I would like to keep the broader Community aware of some steppings stone laid down along the way, to share/offer ideas or coding that could be adapted/retargetted to the greater Ubuntu Community, not just the Flavour in questions.
I bring the following posts to your attention for review/consideration:
Changing login screen wallpaper , a little bash script adapted to learn about how to use YAD (zenity offshoot)
(early days work-in-progress) Script to offer, for installation, package alternates suitable for replacing various Windows Applications, grouped by functional Category