Issues with using AUR was enough for me to stay clear and not recommend to people.

Not that I'd necessarily recommend Arch as something for someone just getting into Linux or anything, but if you're deadset on using something derivative, I would just recommend going with Arch.

This install scriot makes it no harder to install than anything. And the wiki is robust.

However, if you don't want to learn how your OS works, and troubleshoot fringe issues, don't use Arch.

My route into Linux I wouldn't tell others to take.