I tried a couple of times too before I could install vanilla Arch on a VM. Eventually I got it working, but I do think that projects like EndeavourOS is good step towards easing yourself into Arch, if that’s what you want. Maybe I just don’t use my computers that much and don’t need to edit config files and what not, but nowadays, Linux distributions matter less and less, especially since I’m a casual desktop user. I’ll just use Flatpak for all supported applications and use the distribution’s package manager. Basically, just use informant (or add to hook), pacman -Syu (or -Syyu in some cases), and flatpak update. Other than that, there’s nothing really that different from using other Linux distributions, with the exception of the problems of drivers or something like that. The way I interact with a computer to use basic desktop applications don’t fundamentally change with what Linux distribution I use, since I’m a casual (with a minor interest in *-nix stuff).

I’m mostly addressing normal users (with the exception of gamers probably), who just use a couple of desktop applications like Firefox or VLC or document software or whatever. That’s pretty much going to be the same across all distributions.