When Ubuntu was confronted with making Debian user friendly, the issue was speeding up software updates. Manjaro has the opposite issue with Arch and is handling it appropriately.

level 1Fatal_Taco · 2 days ago · edited 2 days agoArch Linux, and likely most distros, are defined by these few things and are not limited to:The Linux Kernel, what type of config and modules it's been compiled with.The pre-packaged programs it comes with by default.The init.The package manager.The repositories it references.The slightly differing Linux Filesystem Hierarchy.The types of computers it runs on.

On RHEL-based operating systems (like CentOS and Fedora), use yum

On Debian-based operating systems (like Ubuntu), use apt-get

please, for the love of god do NOT use Mint as a source of inspiration for a derivative distro. If you like Cinnamon or Mate, fine, but holy CHRIST do not let your infrastructure get as criminally sloppy as Mint's. No unholy mixing of Debian and Ubuntu debs into some kind of Frankenbuntu, no namespace collisions, no ... well, no being Mint in general, please!Ideally, I really, really hope you'll continue to support Ubuntu as a primary platform, regardless of what you do with Pop!_OS. But hooboy, do not turn into another Mint, please.

the most productive environment possible for people that use their computer to create.What is a productive environment?How do you measure productivity in an operating system environment?How do you compare YOUR distribution to other distributions when it comes to productivity?Is the way in which 'people that use their computer to create' (creators) the same across all professions and activities?Does a photographer have the same requirements for a productive environment as a software engineer?Why do you think your distribution will be the best for delivering a productive environment than any other Linux distribution?

And then think about if you want a rolling release, or a fixed release. Although all the distros you mentioned are on the fixed release side.

Think about how much you want to customize the desktop environment(DE), and whether you know how to do so. Pick a distro that has the DE you like.

There is no best distro. All of them are more or less the same.

When people talk about "beginner distros" they mean distros that are no hassle to get started, it doesnt mean they are somewhat inferior or less capable.

And honestly, most people prefer the no hassle, especially after wasting too much time dabbling with distros that are "for advanced users" troubleshooting all kinds of dumbass problems that just worked out of the box in many other distros.