Although most of server's configuration and administration is done from the command line, occasionally it’s helpful to have access to GUI applications.  Since the machines are remote, and tightly constrained in terms of memory, it makes sense to use the lightest option available.  The setup described use the tightvnc VNC server in conjunction with the fluxbox window manager.  It’s not very pretty, but it does work.  Using SSH tunneling, it’s also quite secure.