There is already quite the discussion going on related to macOS versus [insert linux distro here], but here are my two cents. I've been quite happy with my 2015 MBP since I took the time to "gut" most of the default shell tools and replace them with newer ones. It's not a convenient process, but from my experience, it's really not that much harder than setting up a fresh Arch install. It's as close as I've been able to get in terms of having the "hackability" and freedom of working in a Linux environment, while still having the pleasant UX that comes with macOS (good DE, decent memory management, lovely touchpad, etc.).