Are you counting in the cost of running on prem? Hardware, aircon, building security, electricity, hardware tech support?

That likely happens yes

LMDE comes with some nice packages that just make your life easier. It is basically Debian but… with sane defaults

LDME does not supports PPAs

If you leave alone the haters, Ubuntu is doing great. Mint LDME also fantastic if you wish to have a rock solid base.

Nope. That is just for T2 macs. Anything prior installs like on any PCs

What?