I still run Ubuntu on my laptop that didn't get reformatted since I graduated (like 6 years ago). I don't use it much, but it still runs pretty good. I think its Ubuntu 12. Not 100% sure. I've never liked Unity though and always used some underground desktop environments (currently using i3).

From my experience, the #1 argument for using Ubuntu is compatibility. It will compile any project from github without any change, it seems most developers use it to test their linux versions and build their makefiles around it.

On my desktop I've been using arch or arch-based distros though because I don't like canonical and their views on things. As you mentioned in your article, what's the point of making Unity? What's the point of making an alternative to systemd? The linux world is pretty small and we should stick together, instead of running around like headless chickens. Also they seem to be pretty capitalistic and it seems they don't really believe in open source, at least not in the GNU/Stallman way.

Also, the general idea is that Ubuntu is very 'noob friendly', however I never managed to convert any of my friends or work mates to linux with ubuntu, they'd always go back to microsoft windows shortly after. However I've had good results with manjaro, and just explaining them how to make use of pacman and yaourt seems to do the trick for most people.

Glad to see fellow linux users around, you are now followed.