$$$ and knowing that desktop distros are basically a loss leader, and basically nobody managed to profit from them (not even RH).

Android only managed to get where it got by keeping the kernel and ditching most of linux userspace

Mint seems to make solid money.

But if you want other people to do your desired work for free you might have to work on your messaging.

Do they? They rely on sponsorship https://linuxmint.com/sponsors.php

Not sure about the full financials and I'm not even sure they divulge it