It’s quite a valuable skill to be able to do it. You appreciate how all the bits of Linux fit together when you’ve done the whole installation from scratch, and know that’s there’s nothing particularly hard about compiling the kernel. Indeed, it’s one of the easiest packages to compile, got a great module selector and very few dependencies. You’re far more likely to be able to recover a borked system if you’ve got all the low-level skills.
Actually using Gentoo as your daily driver? Well, that’s a different matter. The problem with having complete control over every aspect of your system in every detail is that you’re also responsible for it. Arch (btw) is a bit more of a sensible middle ground. You retain most of the control and responsibility, but also have all those packages prebuilt and ready to work together, plus loads of great documentation.
It’s quite a valuable skill to be able to do it. You appreciate how all the bits of Linux fit together when you’ve done the whole installation from scratch, and know that’s there’s nothing particularly hard about compiling the kernel. Indeed, it’s one of the easiest packages to compile, got a great module selector and very few dependencies. You’re far more likely to be able to recover a borked system if you’ve got all the low-level skills.
Actually using Gentoo as your daily driver? Well, that’s a different matter. The problem with having complete control over every aspect of your system in every detail is that you’re also responsible for it. Arch (btw) is a bit more of a sensible middle ground. You retain most of the control and responsibility, but also have all those packages prebuilt and ready to work together, plus loads of great documentation.