BTW I've now given up on stripping the Knoppix HD install down to what I like. Every time I try something else breaks. I'm not surprised that, to get such a phenomenal system booting from a CD, they had to change so much, but I would question whether you can even call what's left a real Debian system any more. When I can't do apt-get install gdm without breaking it ... Oh, and don't get me started on the whole locales issue.
Bottom line, lessons learned:
- If you're going to install Knoppix, and plan to be able to keep the system updated, start from the most recent version.
- If you actually know what you want on your system, you're better off not installing Knoppix.
- If you have a preference for Gnome or KDE, it's better to know that when you install the system. And use an install method that gives you the appropriate option.