I normally agree.
However, there is no requirement, no option, no request to enter any data when you download a distro.
There is no requirement, no option, no request to enter your data when running Linux. There is no option or request to use any kind of personal account when installing or running Linux.
There are enough users out there with the expertise and knowledge to look for anything in the code like that, and NO ONE has ever come forward with a suggestion or hint that the OS is stealing any kind of information.
So you can relax a little. Just be careful of any apps you download and install.
I would like to add that the main thing as you point out is that the Linux open source code is peer and user reviewed in search for any and all security leaks because they personally don’t want any either. And they can do this because everyone can read it if they like, it is an open book and nothing can be hidden in it. There are no secrets.
The only data leaks would not come from the Linux OS it’s self, it would have to come from a personally chosen 3rd party app like browsers. Browser spying is a universal data collection problem no matter what Operating System you use. Because of the limited browser options, and because very few can be trusted, it is a universal internet problem users of all Operating Systems are dealing with right now. Both windows and Linux users equally.
“Nothing is free”. Linux is almost too good to be true because it is indeed free with no obligations or hidden costs even data collection. How can they do it then? The whole concept is based on tips if you want to give them in appreciation. The OS and app developers accept tips for their gracious work. And some apps are partially featured and usable but with the option to buy the fully featured more powerful version similar to the old days of shareware.
The most important thing to realize in perspective is that the developers are not really doing it to get rich, they mainly do it because there is a common universal hate for proprietary products like Microsoft. As it is with the users who use it.