The recent attacks have been against the AUR.
Which pacman doesn’t reference.

In terms of sneaking in malicious code, that’s possible in the official repos of all operating systems, including the windows store.

The actual meme speaks more to the fact that windows update is enforced unless you jump through enormous flaming hoops, and it will measurably make your already running system worse as it forces the installation of things the user wouldn’t want (ie copilot) or removes functionality they do (classic control panel).

But you know… I use Arch btw.

I know a lawyer who just ordered one.

He’s got disposable income, he wants a decent windows based laptop for his work, he liked the repairability angle.

This isn’t for just tech enthusiasts.