Games galore on XP/Windows. None on Ubuntu.
Still not as well supported as Windows. World of Warcraft, Diablo, etc. etc.
Do you run Netflix?
And as you mention, the setup — I found that google is your friend. However, the average non techie person would struggle with it.
What is the difference between Ubuntu and Mint? One of my complaints with Linux is finding a driver for the hardware. And a lot of times, the drivers were repackaged windows drivers that didn't work that well.
Ubuntu was a one stop shop for my Dell E1505. Everything worked! I am also running the server on another PC (for https WebDAV and a little family web server).
BTW, I am not an expert. Just mostly a "hacker." :)