I actually managed to get it to work both ways: I can boot each OS in a VM from the other. A handful of scripts inside each detect the VM and make some changes

I actually managed to get it to work both ways: I can boot each OS in a VM from the other. A handful of scripts inside each detect the VM and make some changes appropriately (like disabling certain startup apps and services that I already have in the host OS, disabling some fancy graphics that like to glitch out in VMs, etc.). And because I like to over-complicate things, I set up static IPv4s, so I can for example connect to Linux with the same IP, not matter if it's in a VM or running on bare metal. Also, regarding hating GRUB: take a look at rEFInd. The themes are way better [0] and it can autodetect operating systems so not only is it harder to break your system with a bad config, it'll detect USB boot devices as well so you don't have to mash F11 or whatever if you need to boot from one. It also has mouse support and (in theory) also touchscreen. [0] https://github.com/bobafetthotmail/refind-theme-regular https://github.com/bobafetthotmail/refind-theme-regular