No. I don't think Ubuntu can be installed with all required drivers to run properly. But that's more a guess. Also, the GUI of Windows 8.1 is quite nice for hybrid touch/mouse usage. So, for best and easiest GUI (touch or mouse)interaction Win 8.1 is better, but:
Linux shines with it's shells. The bash is by far the most productive environment I've ever used. Just install Virtual Box and run Ubuntu in it.
the surface is a PC like any other. wacom even works out of the box. you just have some trouble with pressure settings. Touch screen is also a done deal on almost all windows laptops. never saw one not working in recent times. the wifi and audio are the usual suspects of linux hell. and in this case it was true, as it always is. but both could be worked around with know-to-work USB devices. though wifi seems to have been solved.
* I specifically like a smaller sized Surface. Unless Microsoft will release a compelling update for a 10.6" model, I will stick with SP2.