DRM Leasing too. VR just straight up doesn’t work on Gnome.

I would ask in the Gnome Newcomers matrix channel.

I’ve been using that bad boy for about 3 years continuously in my server and 1 year in my desktop. Surprised it hasn’t died on me yet, lol.

Never had issues with Gnome on low end hardware but, you can disable animations in the accessibility settings. (No extensions needed!)

I get where you’re coming from, really. I’ve been disappointed by Linux for years with the learning curve and random errors that no one can help with. I’d take a long break from anything server related and then once you think your ready to come back, go watch some videos that give you inspiration like Techno Tim. Try to make a game plan and stick to it. Use standard stuff like Debian and Proxmox for software and to get a head start try this. Wish you all the best mate.