Basically, which linux distro is the best for a non-power user? Someone who wants to be able to get up and running without having to learn how to manage the OS using the cli.
Quick example: When I install a new OS, the first thing I want to do is install Brave. That should be as easy as “click on this thing, type in brave, select Brave, install.”
Fedora Silverblue or openSUSE Aeon, I’d probably say.
If you really don’t want to even be encouraged to touch the command line but do everything through a graphical software store (that’ll be gnome software) while still having access to everything you need, one of these two is currently the way to go. I just came across this older article comparing them, and it seems for the new user openSUSE Aeon (micro os, formerly) wins out in minimal fiddling.
Ubuntu
Linux Mint Cinnamon has been nice to pick up for me.
Perhaps elementary OS. Although it feels like its dying somewhat.
One can only hope. I think it is better if the developers that care about clean UI and workflows were to focus on Ubuntu Budgie or maybe even Budgie 11 or entirely new DE altogether. But as far as modern feeling and clean UI design I really do think Budgie 10.5.x is an overlooked gem of a DE.
It is fine to be opinionated, but I always found the… opinions I guess by the people over at elementary to be rude, condescending and not really in the interest of its actual users. I think if that weren’t the case though there’d be tons more people volunteering to make it one of the most popular and best distros around.