I could argue the same thing about Windows 11.
Can you imagine an average person going into best buy and buying a laptop, maybe in S mode, forced to make a Microsoft account and wait 5-8 minutes updating their machine before they can use it, just for Microsoft edge to pop up asking them to change their accent color. Or downloading a program online and a big old popup comes up saying "Available in the Microsoft Store!"
I personally argue Linux Mint is awesome and what's best for most people. my grandma (81) didnt want to switch to 10 or 11 after Windows 7 was going to be EOL, she tried mint and she absolutely loved it.
the only time I get annoyed or frustrated is when they don't read whatever pop up they get and immediately press "ok" or "continue" and it borks everything