I also don't want to be the "it works on my machine" either - but I've had a 13" Framework for over 2 years now, been using XFCE on it the entire time with little drama. Granted, I haven't tried Gnome or KDE, but my experience is that Linux with XFCE is fine on the 13" Framework and I think the screen looks great*. I can't imagine Gnome or KDE are going to be that different.
*Well, other than the screen being glossy. Framework now offers a matte replacement, though I haven't cared enough to buy that and swap it out yet.
I don't really see it as a conspiracy. What seems to happen is Apple does something like remove the headphone jack. Apple users essentially have to accept it as they are locked in and don't have any choice in the matter. Plus you have the fanboys that have an amazing ability to rationalize anything Apple does. Everyone else sees that Apple got away with something, and they follow suit.
Losing the SD slot would still be annoying but not as big of a deal with everyone wasn't also copying Apple's model of massively overcharging for storage upgrades.