Yes, MX Linux will be doing this (as a separate ISO, until now they're been able to provide a single ISO that lets you choose between systemd and sysvinit at every boot):

https://mxlinux.org/blog/changes-coming-with-mx-25/

Yes.

I run a full desktop too, without it. Multiple variants.

I don't use gnome's Desktop Environment though (although I do run gtk/gnome software), so cannot comment on that.