Even then, I think "check nearby people for what they use" shouldn't be underestimated. Of course you wouldn't tell them to use Neon itself, but if they're using Kubuntu you'd probably be abler to help them than if they were to use, say, Mint, right?

My point is, that people underestimate the power of offline help, and having acquaintances who know the system well enough to help you out. And that matters a lot when picking your starting distro.