I am with you Abarbarian from what I have experienced dabbling as well running Linux Distro's I settled with Mint because as a ex Microsoft user it seems to slip into place very easily and easy for someone who wants a Operating System/Distro that has the ability to be not so different than Windows. The big thing is there is a choice out there for the people to be able find a Linux distro that suits them. I have tried several Lubuntu, Ubuntu, Zorin, Fedora but found Linux Mint Cinnamon suited me best and easiest to work with so that is the one I now use. BUT everyone who or anyone who is thinking to change from Windows to any Linux Distro must remember that Linux is not Windows and there is a learning curve, but as soon as you realise it is not Windows it becomes simpler.