The goal is to introduce new Linux users both to the possible options and to proper documentation so that they can learn and help themselves.

Honestly, I wish I had started on arch instead of Ubuntu.

Okay you are not a normal user or person. There isn't anything wrong with that. Giving people advice based on your own experience isn't going to work for you, because most people aren't that technically inclined and don't think about going for the harder option first.