My thoughts on this issue:
I bought an expensive Nikon two years ago. I have spent the two years mostly (exactly as Gasrocks says) crouched over the computer, swearing. I bought a new computer, then another one (now I have a Mac) and Lightroom and Photoshop.
I bought books and researched on the Web. I think after two years of total agony, I am about ready to take photographs!
JPEG is just fine for most purposes. Having spent so much time and money learning about RAW and how to process them, and dragging around heavy equipment, I would say for most folks JPEG makes good sense. But, I like my RAW. Now I just shoot in RAW, then make a JPEG out of it if needed, the computer automatically files the JPEG with the RAW master so it is easy to find. Also the computers are getting better and better at automating things, like I don't even have to tell my Mac to make a photo into a JPEG for export to this site.
The new MacBook with the new operating system (called High Sierra) has improvements in the Photo processing program, that mimic what Lightroom does, and it is all there for free. It is 10X better than the Microsoft product. Also, I live 25 minutes from the Apple Store, they have free 90 minute sessions called Photo Projects, where they have a teacher to help you do your project. Maximum of 4 "students". Yesterday it was a retiree making a photo album that Apple will print for her, and me still working on transferring my Windows photo files the the Mac. These sessions are fabulous I can't say enough good things about them. I totally recommend Apple to new photographers, I struggled and struggled with the Windows system, and there was nobody to help. Instead of improving it, the last upgrade to the operating system made it dumber and less useful. The problem with linux as I see it is you need to be pretty computer-savvy as there is no "Help Desk" or Apple store. However it would probably be great for example if you liked computers, or if you had a friend or family member who used it for photography (this can be a very important consideration).
