I cannot understand why someone would think that Linux is too clunky. It's got a wonderful choice of GUI interfaces, some are absolutely beautiful, most are much easier to understand and use than the latest Windows interfaces. All have easily configurable settings via a simple GUI. I use XFCE for my Desktop
Xfce Desktop Environment Most users use a Gnome or KDE desktop. But some users actually do not like choice.
I cannot see how it can be described as obtuse. It's an operating system. If you mean that you don't understand it - well that's the same as Windows internals - you don't need to understand that to use it. Internally though Linux is a far better OS than Windows as it performs far better - runs faster, uses less CPU and memory, crashes rarely (usually only from hardware failure or a badly written, 3rd party, kernel driver).
Linux is used as the basis for most smart phones, Android tablets, all of the top 500 super computers, most IoT gadgets, TVs and fridges and most servers around the world. But the average users Desktop is still the domain of an old, clunky, poorly performing OS called Windows. That's what you can achieve if you have good marketing, a method of lock-in, use illegal tactics, and have customers who don't know what better options are available.
Mike