> I want pure linux experience without systemd, but I recognize that in the current ecosystem, it comes at a cost.
Running Alpine/Gentoo/Devuan isn't that expensive. (I'm assuming the cost is time/effort when I say this; let me know if there's another relevant metric)
No, you are right on point. I think I reached the same level of 'troubleshooting fatigue' my buddy did ( but he does that for a living, which adds another layer to this ). At certain point, I just want stuff to work. And right now at least, systemd provides least amount of annoyance in terms of time spent chasing issues on home machines.
FWIW, I tried Void and Devuan, but that may have been too early for me then. Naturally, now that stuff mostly works, I am debating whether I can make that attempt again;p