Linux adopter in the late 90s, early 00s

Oof, I 100% understand why you have the emotional response to it that you do. A good part of the community back then were hella toxic, and even now, 20+ years later, it's not that much better. That coupled with the enshittification of search and the death of many of those spaces for help, forums, etc. that I would argue results in a similar level of difficulty, albeit a somewhat different flavor.

But

As yesterday's empires continue to self-cannibalize it's highly likely that Linux is going to be the only safe and functional option in the relatively near future. While I understand personally not wanting anything to do with it, you will very likely need to make at least one Linux friend who can help you with those needs.

Undirected rage commenting is not the way.