Thank you all for all the help in the linked post. I installed Gentoo successfully twice, first with a non desktop and then with a desktop stage file/profile. However, mostly because of how my brain works and because of my priorities, I decided to go with Artix instead. Knowing the extent of customization and optimization that can - or could - be done with USE flags and kernel parameters, I can't help myself from wanting to tailor every single aspect of the system. I try to anticipate what software, use case and compatibility I'm possibly going to need in the future and try to adjust the USE flags accordingly. But after compiling, I realize that I have missed a flag or some flags, sometimes ones that impact the system quite extensively, and so I redo everything immediately. And when I realize that the system cannot easily be reverted or adjusted and that it's easier to switch profiles, I reinstall the whole thing. My brain is just not made for such granularity. 🤣😭

Gentoo seems amazing. The feeling of having a system that is completely tailored to ones needs and wishes must be beyond this world!

Again, thanks for all the help! 😊