Your argument makes sense that KDE and Cinnamon can be welcoming to Windows users. However I can argue that it can also make these newcomers to keep a “windows-like” mindset and that can be frustrating.
If a newcomer comes to Gnome, due to it’s totally different paradigm, it may induce this newcomer to have an open mind and, therefore, be more welcoming to linux experience.
I don’t think one argument or the other is right or wrong. I think both arguments are valid and that’s just a different perspective. I, personally, think that a totally new paradigm is good to newcomers, but be free to disagree, since you understand that there is no right or wrong regarding this topic
I like the mint project, but I dislike how it’s done
I don’t suggest mint to anyone anymore. A rather suggest Fedora or PopOs
PopOS! and Endeavor are my two recommendations for newbies. The former for fresh to Linux folks and the latter for those with some experience.
I don’t recommend PopOS! because I think the Gnome UI is confusing to people who have only used Windows before.
I tried PopOS and the pop store is not the best, and gnome is too foreign for someone coming from windows.
And also, too fiddly to make it work with a number of third party extensions vs the customization being built in.
KDE is heavier but also seems more streamlined and Cinnamon is fairly decent too.
I think Gnome VS KDE it’s just a POV
Your argument makes sense that KDE and Cinnamon can be welcoming to Windows users. However I can argue that it can also make these newcomers to keep a “windows-like” mindset and that can be frustrating.
If a newcomer comes to Gnome, due to it’s totally different paradigm, it may induce this newcomer to have an open mind and, therefore, be more welcoming to linux experience.
I don’t think one argument or the other is right or wrong. I think both arguments are valid and that’s just a different perspective. I, personally, think that a totally new paradigm is good to newcomers, but be free to disagree, since you understand that there is no right or wrong regarding this topic