As per Microsoft, they apparently saved 2 GBs of RAM by preventing productivity apps (bloat) from loading in their Big Picture mode. Now, it's another entirely different thing about how they are handling CPU/VRAM for the games. Let's see how that goes.
There was a Youtuber who showed that Windows is bloated, not because of background apps, but because of not using CPU properly (incorrect governor settings). The Youtuber used a script to set it right and windows got a boost in battery life. This kind of makes sense because I've seen none of the "bloat-free" Windows ISOs provide a significant performance boost over the standard OS.
Valve's goal with it is to "have a standardized interface so that SteamOS specific features in the Steam client, e.g. TDP management, can be exposed in any linux distro that provides an implementation of this DBus API"
Some companies are trying to move core features under their closed source umbrella and Valve is exposing their features so that other Linux distros can make use of it.
I just checked the games on ProtonDB. Two games are Platinum are one is silver/gold. Essentially very less tinkering.
Steam Deck compatibility is usually very conservative so even though it says incompatible, it will probably work. Nowadays, I just check if the game has some weird DRM or anticheat, otherwise it just works.
Don't forget educational institutes. Linux should be the defacto OS at such places. The younger generation's first interaction with a PC is at school. If they are used to Linux from a young age, this is greatly help them ease into the Linux mindset (package manager, terminal).
Have you tried feeding the toddler gallons of baby-food? Maybe then it can play chess