What are the best libre and user-friendly Linux distributions?

For new users, Mint and Fedora are respectable choices, but if freedom is a top priority, I’d suggest checking out Debian as your starting point. It's quite user-friendly with the KDE Plasma desktop. As for gaming, Nobara is user-friendly for gaming and caters to Windows users transitioning to Linux.

To be strictly "libre," a distribution must avoid using proprietary software or firmware. Unfortunately, both MX Linux and Ubuntu include non-free components. If you’re looking for something more compliant with free software principles, PureOS is a possibility, but it’s essential to note that it can be a pain to deal with hardware limitations, as many devices require proprietary drivers to function.

If you’re serious about going fully libre, the GNU project has a list of distributions they endorse. However, keep in mind, those options can be less user-friendly. Debian-based distros like LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition) might be a less restricted option and offer a more straightforward user experience than Ubuntu while still staying closer to the libre ideal.

Linux Mint does try to remove some of the more contentious features from Ubuntu, like snaps, but it still relies on proprietary elements which doesn't sit well with strict libre enthusiasts. If you want to avoid those entirely, LMDE might be a better choice, plus you can opt out of proprietary software installations during setup.

Finding a balance between "libre" and "user-friendly" can be tricky. Most distributions that are considered fully libre, like those recommended by the Free Software Foundation, lack proprietary code and aren’t the easiest to use. However, for a more user-friendly experience while still being fairly free, consider distributions like EndeavourOS, Linux Mint, MX Linux, Ultramarine Linux, or Zorin OS Core. Mint, MX, and Zorin are the friendliest on the list. Just keep in mind, you might need to compromise a bit to ensure compatibility with modern hardware.