Ive been a Debian user for more years than I want to think about. Its what I use the most, more so if derivatives are included. Even more if you count all the Debian VMs and LXCs.
I’d still recommend LMDE for new users. My comfort is not the same as new user comfort.
Because they did not, and still dont, know the laws associated. And rather than actually consult a lawyer, they became armchair experts.
I am not surprised by the LW mods. Its expected.