Maybe try spinning up a windows vm. Install lotro and patch it. Then copy the game files over into the lotro linux install directory. Basically bypass the update process and see what happens.

Maybe give this a try.

https://github.com/Faugus/faugus-launcher

It’s more personal preference and use case than anything.

Gaming dedicated versions are nice if you really only plan to game. Bazzite, ChimeraOS, Garuda, along others are available. ChimeraOS is what I installed on my stepson’s pc and outside of a network issue it has worked pretty well. He is happy and since he mainly uses his android tablet for web browsing and whatnot, it’s perfect for me to not need to do a bunch of troubleshooting issues. I’ve tinkered with Garuda but I’m not convinced it’s for me and I dislike anything with a Mac feel.

I use an Ubuntu based system (Ubuntu Cinnamon 24.04LTS) with a 5800X and GTX1080TI because I want stability and the ability to edit video, game, manage websites, manage our home services, along other things.

Instead of asking which one you should use go out and try some demos and look at your intended use case.

Made the switch myself about a year ago. Installed 24.04 LTS and it has done very well.

My main issues have been dealing with a few things I run not playing the nicest with ubuntu or when trying to flash ESP8266 or ESP32 boards through the web browser.

Gaming wise everything I have installed via Steam works fine though sometimes needs a reboot.

Overall been happy with it and glad to get off the forced upgrade with bloatware train.