As a Debian user for 15 years, I like it, but as a developer looking to contribute packages, I am displeased. I can't figure out how to update Gambit Scheme to the newest version by making a package, setting up a local repo, etc. The documentation on the subject in debian is all over the place on many sites giving conflicting answers.
Gentoo and Arch in my limited experience are much simpler to build packages for. Redhat too. One build file is all that's required.
I regularly build Arch packages. I once tried to build a Debian package, followed the tutorial, but gave up after nearly two hours. The amount of ceremony involved in Debian packaging is just absurd.
The problem with Debian is that there is no One True Way to build packages. Instead everybody builds wrapper scripts calling other wrapper scripts and it builds up into a giant mess.
Debian Maintainer here (currently in the process of becoming a Debian Developer).
I agree that the documentation lacks various improvements, but i would like to add that there's a difference between building a deb package and building a deb package for Debian.
Tl;DR: To build a deb package for Debian involves lots of extra steps and cautions than to build a simple deb package because Debian is pretty strict with what can enter the official repository. The documentation needs to be improved for both cases anyway.
I'd like to update Gambit Scheme from the 4.2 series to the 4.8 series in debian unstable. if you have some time to help me figure it out, please email my username at Gmail.
Gentoo and Arch in my limited experience are much simpler to build packages for. Redhat too. One build file is all that's required.