To me it boils down first to what package management one prefers to use, then DE, then the ricing etc. I guess this is what sets long linux users apart.
The beauty is really that using the command line permits managing different distros as admin, which is a plus when managing rhel and debian servers for example. The CLI gives you direct access to your system. Many newbie internet sites/articles try to sell linux with gui and mouse clicking as alternative to windows, but the terminal is sort of awesome to use. Not for all tasks of course.