I'm taking a dual-boot route, it does have it's issues. Unfortunately due to work related and gaming reasons I can't let go of it just yet.
I went with Linux Mint and I've been happy as Larry since I got used to it. But distro hop until you find your fit I'd say, I had spare hardware I was distro-hopping with and Mint just fit me best I think.
You're spot on with Ventoy, it's a huge boon. I only recently became aware of it, absolutely love it already. I highly recommend giving it a go.
Awesome writeup, I'll likely refer to it in future.
I'm waiting till I see a good price on a 5900x/5950x for the rig I recently built with 5800x, the 5800x rips though I will keep it and do another build with it.
My PC kept my room warm all winter, I now dread the incoming sun. Thank God for AC. Sorry for your loss there sir.