Arch Linux is an independently developed Linux distribution geared towards experienced Linux users. Its main aim is on simplicity and minimalism. There are not many packages installed by default, basically just what the system absolutely needs in order to run. There isn't even a desktop environment unless you install one yourself.
I’d be interested to hear more about how Manjaro manages firmware -blobs (updates) for it’s rolling releases? I’ve completely lost faith in Debian firmware management after 2 of my laptops went bust with their rolling firmware-update. After a Spectra killing 2018-mint-update I learned the importance of blacklisting and controlling what firmware patches get put on my machines. My DVDs became inoperative after their patches and I was never able to revive them. KIV that my Samsung machine is more than 10-yrs old. Ok I’m dating myself.
