So i'm rolling with debian to be able to mix and match compiling some software and just instaling from the repos other.I've been on nixos for almost a year now. I did learn and adapt to it well, however the multiple layers of abstractions is really interfering with how I understand and set up my system. Also compiling ANYTHING on nix is such a pain that's what made me finally switch. 

I miss being able to download & install a deb lol. Nix is awesome for some things, it was incredible when I had a media server. But as a desktop it could get painful fast. 

TL;DR - Everything they say about debian, all the memes about reliability and being able to make it what you want, are still true in the year of our lord 2023. And with debian 12 being newish it's not even that outdated!