I've used Linux as my main OS for many years. It's mainly been Ubuntu, but I have used Mint too. I got fed up with Windows trying to stop me doing things. You can get most things for free on Linux, but there can be reasons to pay too. Software projects often need funds to continue. I find a lot of hardware is easier to set up than in Windows. I am not a gamer, so that has not really been an issue for me.
I had a very old Macbook that had outdated software, so I installed Mint on that and it works fine. Linux makes old hardware more usable.
Yes, I am a fan :)
I 100% agree with you that sometimes it makes sense to pay. Developers, including those of open-source software, can both collect donations and introduce paid services, and that’s completely normal. Competing on enthusiasm alone with giant companies is madness. I'm not a gamer either, so I don't care much about the gaming aspect, though sometimes I might get into games for a while, but overall it’s just a waste of time. It's better to create😁