The built in Linux environment (Crostini) is more or less vanilla Debian, and is extremely easy to install. Want to use Firefox, or VSCode, or GIMP? Trivially done, and integrates seamlessly with the rest of ChromeOS.
Yes, the $200 devices are not as good as $1000+ laptops, but for the price, I think they are pretty great. I use one for both personal and work stuff (not as a primary machine, but for travel and field work).