Let me tell you a secret: any linux distribution is a kernel + a set of pre-installed drivers and programs + their configs. Nothing more than that! Most distributions use the same kernel and roughly the same set of programs. The only differences are in the desktop environment and initial settings.

I would recommend Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) as a start choice. Do not trust those who say that if you choose a “beginner's distro” you won't have to get into the console or text configs. Your choice of distro will determine how often you'll do this.

As a regular user, I've used different distributions and always something didn't work. Many issues couldn't be solved via GUI, so I had to deep dive into both the console and all Linux services.

P.S. Arch Linux daily-driver.

We recently discussed it in another thread. I recommend you read it, there are a lot of facts in the comments that will definitely help you make up your mind!

I'm surprised no one's posted about Skiff.