[fsflover]

> The fact that there’s no way for non-technical users to figure out if a given hardware configuration will actually work for them makes it a non-starter

There is: Buy a computer with preinstalled Linux. I did and it works. You can later install another Linux flavor and it will work, too. Even Qubes OS works for me with reliable suspend and WiFi.

> You can’t just be like “well driver support for this hardware is bad” and throw up your hands. It might be spiritually the manufacturer’s fault but the end user will never care.

Would you also complain if your Windows installation doesn't work reliably on a Macbook? This is a user's fault if they are trying to use the device in an unintended way. Although the Linux community is trying to support everything, this is practically impossible.