I think using major distros like Fedora, Ubuntu, or Debian is fine, because corporate backing often supports faster security fixes and better infrastructure.
I also prefer i3 with minimal visual changes. I hate gaps, the rounded corners and animations when opening/moving windows.
Sure it might look pretty on a screenshot, but using it is worse than a simple i3 that gets out of the way and you don't see it.
I use kdenlive and its great, but if you have low ram like me, make sure to save and reopen the project to clear up older clips from ram. I also reopen the project before rendering. Perhaps there is a better approach, but i have found this to work and prevent crashes.
I think using major distros like Fedora, Ubuntu, or Debian is fine, because corporate backing often supports faster security fixes and better infrastructure.