Apologies in advance for the lengthy response.
You are not wrong about Linux having it’s own shortcomings, especially with software compatability and certain bits of hardware (i.e. fingerprint reader, internal mic). However, it doesn’t mean you have to completely go back to Windows or MacOS.
Compromised Solution
Tweaking your solution a tad, you could boot either Linux or Windows from an external SSD, while having the other OS run from the computer’s internal SSD. Ideally you would run your personal stuff exclusively on the Linux installation, and everything else on the Windows installation. You would get the best of both worlds. Another option, if you can afford it, would be to have a second machine dedicated to Windows applications and tasks. As for the VM route, that’s a good option, but I’d swap the OS’s (Linux host, Windows/MacOS as guest).
Mental Health
I get it. It really is difficult to learn different things in the Linux/Privacy Communities, while having to sit through creators spouting misinformation, selling products viewers don’t even need or should ever buy, or just doing the double-speak on the regular. As a content creator within the privacy community, it’s aggrivating, often bloodboiling. I understand it.
That being said, even the crappy creators occassionally have some useful tips, tricks, or news to offer. Filtering out the BS from the useful information is a necessary skill in the tech space, and in life overall. I’m not saying to completely embrace the creators you dislike, far from it. If it makes you feel better, download their videos to skim through offline so they don’t get the watch time or the view count from you.
I say all of this in good faith, despite the very real possibility that I’m going to be blocked by this forum for a difference of opinion (because I have been), no matter how polite my post might be. If I don’t reply back, you’ll at least know why.