I think I probably have similar attitude to the GP post. I have been using Linux on laptops for over 25 years, and have zero interest in ordering one with Linux preinstalled. I will research that the new model has integrated devices with upstream, integrated support. I almost treat a vendor-supplied Linux as a bad smell.

I don't want to risk "Linux support" that comes from the vendor tasking some interns to hack drivers into one specific distribution and/or kernel version.

I want a machine where I know I can wipe or replace the SSD and boot my preferred standard Linux install media to get a fully functional system. I want zero vendor-supplied drivers or other add-ons.

Luckily, Thinkpads have been popular enough that I can always read about someone else's experimental validation of new models before I bother to order one myself.