Nvidia graphics driver perhaps? Linux with proprietary drivers tends to suck (and Nvidia has been especially unfriendly to FOSS drivers). Intel and AMD support open GPU drivers, which tend to be be better. This might be why you're hearing about experiences that don't match yours.

Also, people can have legitimately different priorities. Some folks might want freedom from vendors badly enough to buy inferior but supported hardware, and/or get their hands dirty dealing with problems. At least there's a choice.