For me it’s PeppermintOS.
I started my Linux adventure a few years ago, and haven’t owned a Windows PC since.
I currently use Arch on my main rig, and I wanted to install Linux on two old laptops that I found laying around in my house
I then remembered the first distro I ever used, which is PeppermintOS, and I was amazed at the latest updates they released.
They even have a mini ISO now to do a net-install with no bloat, with a Debian or Devuan base.
Sadly, I believe the founder passed away a few years ago, which is why I was really happy to see the continuation of this amazing project.
Removed by mod
I don’t get the sense that people hate Gentoo, I think it’s mostly just people joking about it. That said gentoo is really cool and doesn’t always get the respect it deserves, but I think most people who actually follow through with it have some appreciation for it!