Linux has been improving, but rather slowly in several regards. PipeWire, Wayland, and a few other core technologies move things forward for sure, but the fragmentation is always an issue. That said, the iOSification of Mac caused some significant regressions (which I believe they have now recovered from) and Windows resource consumption makes many things run better under proton emulation that on the latest systems.

The truth of the matter is, Valve and Google are the ones who have really made Linux more viable, via emulation, base components, and the availability of web apps underpinning most users' daily workflows. All systems are viable for 80+% of users.

I am glad Linux (as a wider community) is free to admit its shortcomings. Those who think this is bad for Linux's image, well I care more about having working software than effective marketing.