As far as I know flatpak applications can be distributed as a file without the need for a repository, just like .deb or .rpm files

60/40 leaded solder with rosin core, from a local reputable supplier

Not because Oracle likes open source, but because they like to profit from RedHat’s hard work.

Can’t you keep using CentOS stream? Isn’t it still a very stable distribution? Just slightly upstream of RHEL instead of downstream.

Debian packports provided what I needed when bullseye had outdated packages before the bookworm release. For qemu, libvirt, kernel and ZFS.

One downside of testing is that it isn’t monitored by the Debian security team. Combined with the fact that updates are delayed compared to unstable, it can take many weeks to get important security updates.

It does benefit RedHat, but that seems fair to me. We’re getting a great free Linux distribution in return

Metrics can be very valuable, the people who really care can just uncheck the box as part of the initial installation. I regularly submit crash reports which contain far more personal information. I think this is a good move.