I can't speak for gnome, which I am still fond of an feel strongly about, but as for KDE - 3.2.1 has been used on both my home & work computer for a week or so. This version rocks, especially the kontact package which I use mostly at work to manage my schedule. Since version 3.2 I've been switching completely over to the KDE 'way of life', browser/email/ftp. It just a really comfortable, complete and well rounded desktop environment. KDE 3.2.1 is just icing on the cake
As for 2.6 - I couldn't speak on that subject.