Even though I don't use virtual desktops, I have used two physical monitors at one time.

I use virtual desktops all the time to categorize windows according to the task I am working on. I use four virtual desktops, although two are enough most of the time. I have configured the window bar and Alt-Tab switcher to only include windows from the current desktop, and keyboard shortcuts for easy moving of windows and switching between desktops.

I missed this on windows so much that I installed SysInternals Desktops recently. It does not get near linux' virtual desktops (windows cannot be moved between desktops i.e.), but it gets the job done.

Vdesktops and Workspaces.

I break them up into: Terminals, Web, Editing and Monitoring. Feels like a good balanced workflow and easy to navigate.

I choose my window managers based on how well they support switching virtual desktops with the keyboard.

It's why OpenBox is my current favorite.

what does open box what others, say kwin, can not do?

Yes.

I can imagine life without virtual desktops/workspaces, but I'd rather not. I always have four defined and use between 2 and 4.

First, for copying from one program to an another, I find it fasterand more convenient to move from desktop to desktop.

Second, I often have my browser open for an occasional consult while working in other areas.

Third, when teaching I am often moving between audios and text and it is much easier and faster with virtual workspaces.

Fourth, I sometimes have Spider Solataire open to provide a break when I am at the machine for a long time and the virtual space keeps it out of the way while I am working.

I like OpenBox's default hotkeys best. CTRL-ALT-[LEFT|RIGHT] to cycle through virtual desktops, ALT-SHIFT-[LEFT-RIGHT] to move applications across virtual desktops.

ctl+alt+l or R is the same in Mate.

CTRL-ALT-[LEFT|RIGHT] is the first thing I configure on kde :-)
gnome, at least 2 series , had this as default

it should be default, for all desktops :-)

Yes sir, sure do use the virtual desktops.

One home debian, I usually have Chrome and a terminal on first, email client, file browser and couple terminals on second, third have random programs, and on fourth KTorrent and couple of terminals.

On my work Centos macine, usually just use the first and second desktops

On my opensuse laptop, i only use one desktop..

Nope

Coming from windows, I always thought multiple desktops were odd. Tabbed programs and multiple monitors make the odd virtual desktop thing kinda pointless, IMO.

Why would I pay for an extra monitor when I can get a virtual one for free ?

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I use all three.