If you just want to fire up your system with arguably sane defaults and use it, no there really isn't. Where Arch shines is in providing a mostly blank slate for people with opinions about how their system should be set up. It provides the tools and documentation then mostly stays out of the admin's way.

Why should they be? As others have pointed out none of the prices are based on cost to make and distribute. At least not until you get down to the bargain basement, clearance level prices. The only thing making digital cheaper would accomplish is pissing off retail partners and shareholders.

I'm down for seeing where this trip takes us. If nothing else it's an opportunity to meet new folks.

I appreciate the clean interface and the relatively chill vibe. Regardless of what happens with reddit I think I'll be hanging out and enjoying the communities.

Perhaps you shouldn't. Any honest Linux user will tell you up front if that if you have a comfortable system already it may not be worth the disruption in your workflow while dealing with the learning curve. That being said, being free from the whims of Apple is a nice feeling.