Well, my use case very much differs from yours, the appstore has enough apps to serve my needs, happy to hear a different opinion though!
Also, you said it right there, I do not want to be forced to use a terminal all the time, I'd like the option to tinker around when I want to, it's about choice and general accessibility. I'd like to do 90% of my mundane tasks without touching a terminal, but hey that's how I like it.
for the most part, yes. Pop offers a pretty good overall user experience too! Honestly it has the only appstore that has enough apps for me to not have to use the terminal