> The rule of thumb has always been, do not put Windows (client) on anything you can't format on a short notice at any time.

This is reasonable and sound.

> This stuff just happens _with desktop machines, on desktop OSes_

I wouldn't call Debian a desktop OS per se, though (albeit installing XFCE just in case does introduce a bit more risk of breakage).

Critique of consumer hardware is valid, but it's quite upsetting that bad software is the status quo.