Why desktop Linux is failing, in your opinion.

tldr: in comments please write, why have you given up on desktop linux, what was it missing?

A year ago I began programming again and I thought "this is the right time to return to Linux!" So I installed Ubuntu and got cozy there. I'm a long time user of Linux (many years), but stopped a while back when I need things to "just work" more often than not. Returning, I was quite excited -- what has changed? Have the bugs of the past been fixed? However, in my experience, the ghosts and bugs of the past largely remain, some rough edges fixed, others still there. For programming in general, Linux is great. The commandline is an amazing experience. However, for the desktop, there are things to be desired. Some recent "meh" experiences of mine:

1) Why do I sometimes get a popup message asking for the root password because "an application is requesting it" after logging in? WHAT application? Are you seriously expecting me to just give my password to any application? Seems like a basic security issue with many counter examples of how to do it better.

2) Slightly more complex sound config. I threw a karaoke party and wanted to use Ubuntu for potentially lower latency between sound equipment, but figuring out the plethora of commandline-based options was ridiculous. I just needed one option: direct throughput from mic to speakers. I gave up after 30 minutes and went back to Windows where it was 1 click.

3) I do light graphic design / image manipulation and industry standard tools just don't work in Linux. Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. I realize this isnt the fault of Linux, but it is a fact. Yes, impressive alternatives exist, but they are always catching up to Adobe's offerings. For professional work, it is a lot better to use the professional tools.

Btw, I do appreciate the amazing work people do and have done, and how much community + fun Linux has been for so many. I also appreciate all the successes and potential still here. I'm not poo pooing that, but for this post, that isn't the topic :D Another topic, too, is what needs to change to make things better? Again, probably not in this post.