Using stock Ubuntu LTS is a good middle ground between configurability and usability for me. I don't really configure anything, except a few power settings and

Using stock Ubuntu LTS is a good middle ground between configurability and usability for me. I don't really configure anything, except a few power settings and I disable the animations. It works with my stuff out of the box. And if I want to make a change, I can apt-get to my heart's desire. I don't really take advantage of the freedom, but it's enough knowing that I could.