Copy-pasting and reverse engineering stuff from the open source arduino designs was how I created some of my first PCBs. I have the skills now to abandon this platform, but that door is now closed to all young engineers who are in the position I was ten years ago. This is shameful and I hate it.

Thinking about all the Mandarin datasheets I encounter on a daily basis

Here this is for you

It works

Fedora is good! So is Mint. Its easy to get decision paralysis when you're first starting, so just use your best judgement and go for it.