Windows 8.1 is amazing on the Surface Pro. W10 is a major step back for me. It's also the perfect form factor for reading graphic novels, although it's easier holding an iPad Air for extended periods.
Your not the first one I have heard say that but the screenshots I've seen of Windows 10 makes me think it is still pretty usuable.
Well put Linux on it then. No one's forcing you to use Windows.
Using a Surface running Linux sounds like a proper definition of "hell."