But I think that's... valid? Like, if you're a person able to install (and use) a typical linux distro, on a totally open and free-range PC, then you're near-de

But I think that's... valid? Like, if you're a person able to install (and use) a typical linux distro, on a totally open and free-range PC, then you're near-definitely also a person who knows how to use the BIOS. You were probably already in there switching the default boot device. That is, of course, assuming there is a BIOS option to disable it, which hasn't been confirmed or denied. The reality is: installing a replacement OS post-sale is never, ever going to be the way to grow linux marketshare, if that's what you care about (it shouldn't be, but some people live-and-breathe year of the linux desktop so whatever, you do you). Its a lot more important that it ship with the hardware, and extreme attention to detail has gone into making sure it works well with that hardware. Certainly, some vendors already do this. Moreover, I'd also argue its even more important that that hardware be modern and desirable; the only vendor I've seen pull this off is Dell (genuinely sorry, because I love what Framework/System76 are doing, but their machines look like branded OEM Clevos, because they probably are, or were in the recent past. I support them; I own a Framework; but only because I want them to do better, not because what they're doing today is enough).