That is its core feature. The only reason Asahi exists is to run linux natively on Apple Silicon Macs. There are plenty of linux variants for other systems.

What dependency are you speaking of? It uses the external OS hooks built into the firmware. Is that the issue you are referring to? After boot, MacOS is not running in any way.

And patchy support for M2, which is understandable.

A shame, as the basic Mac Mini M2 is really competitive in terms of pricing and energy usage for a home desktop or server.

It is below $600 with an education discount.