Why against captchas? Why Google's in particular?

You can't go wrong with any of them, as they are all a bit unique in their own way.

1. Overarching timer forcing you to work somewhat efficiently to complete the game. Puzzles and difficulty are definitely the easiest in the series, but still provide a fun challenge to newcomers and veterans alike
2. No overarching timer allowing for a more laid back approach to completing. Introduces a 2nd captain and much more challenging/replayable end game content (a lot of people hold P2 in very high regards, and consider the end game content to be the most difficult in the series)
3. Technically there is an overarching timer, but it's implemented in such a way that doesn't create as much stress or pressure like the timer from P1 does. Introduces multiple captains that add another layer of complexity to puzzles as well as optimizing your daily efficiency. Has a very helpful world map that shows the location of objectives, captains, and loose Pikmin. The Deluxe edition has a slew of additional content that I haven't even fully completed, but I believe they're "prequel" missions that help to explain some of the events that happen before the start of the game.

No problemo! I love the Pikmin games, so I was stoked to whip that up. I'm more or less in the same boat as you, all of my time outside of work has either been devoted to yard projects, DRG, or ToTK. What's your progress on ToTK so far?

I've got all the regional quests done, probably over half of the depths discovered, but not many sky islands done. I'm over 105 hours in with 73 shrines done 😅

I've never heard of arch linux.