I suspect the same.
When I first migrated from Windows OS to Zorin OS; it was a struggle.
It seemed like I had to Fight Against the system on Zorin OS in order to do what I wanted and fit my workflow; as much as Windows OS.
Then, I switched from Zorin Core to Zorin Lite - and all that struggle went away.
I was able to easily do what I wanted without the system fighting me. Yes, I needed to learn code. Yes, I needed to adapt to a learning curve. But without resistance.
Now... Gnome has taken over - GTK4 and soon... GTK5; LibAdwaita - Other Desktops are not isolated from Gnomes Domineering control.
Now, I am on Zorin OS 18 with XFCE installed and I am back to fighting the system to do what I want and fit my workflow.
Wayland being shoved on us Unready.
Flatpak being made default. Adopting Gnome as the only Desktop for Zorin OS.
To me, it feels like the ZorinGroup is fully on board with asserting control over the users and behaving with corporate interests like Microsoft, not the End User interests.