Ok, probably a really dumb question.

I'm trying out Docky, and I really like it. Buuut... for some reason when I maximize windows, it leaves a section for the toolbar and just displays the bottom part of the wallpaper under the part it's not using.

How can I change this, or can I not?

Been looking for a light-ish, stable but beautiful (not outdated) DE. Any advice or opinions?

I'm torn between Mate, Gnome3, KDE and even XFCE.
I currently use Ubuntu 16.04.3 LTS and I love the indicator applets and dock. I know the applets can be used in other DE's as well but I'm uncertain about the dock. Plank and docky don't feel right and I couldn't get dockbarx on Debian (which I experimenting with instead of Ubuntu).

I'm now considering just sticking with Ubuntu, install 18.04 LTS and change the DE to something new.
I will use it as a daily driver for programming, heavy Chrome usage and some games (via wine). What do you guys suggest?