IMHO, he’s always been “Left of Center (for an American)” or maybe neo-Liberal. I would never consider him a Progressive. Now, as we’re seeing more progressive lawmakers and some progressive policies being spotlit, the Overton Window is expanding, and he’s staying right where he’s always been.
I agree with your reservation about Manjaro. However, you did get one thing wrong:
That was Pop!_OS (unless it happened a second time??)