Ive recently replaced my docker setup on Linux with podman and as was said this isn’t entirely true. Running as user is actually a good thing but Podman machine allows root like you’re probably used to and the docker compatibility seems pretty good.
The networking seems a bit less stable with like wifi network changes and stuff but its definitely something to keep an eye on and give a shot as a more open alternative.
Sounds like Debian is probably your goto based on experience you stated. KISS to start.
My advice is choose something as stable as your requirements allow. Debian, Ubuntu LTS, etc. It can be fun to try new things but generally your homelab stuff you just want to work and spending a ton of time fixing broken updates isn’t the fun part.
Similar to above, isolate and guard your data from your OS and programs. It lets you be flexible to trying some new things if you want. But if things go bad, reinstalling a different OS is easy. remount your JBOD or NAS or what ever and you’re back rolling. Backing up and transferring tons of files sucks and recovering them is worse.
Declarative infrastructure can be your friend. Ansible, docker compose, etc. Again, when things go bad, getting things back up is that much quicker and you can keep doing the fun stuff not spend your weekend finding that old blog post, figuring out that weird ai promp, what ever .