I mean using LMDE I can get the latest versions of all the software I care about through manual install or app images or flatpak, while still having a super stable system. Really made me reevaluate my pros-cons list. Frankly, the only downside is an old DE, which i dont really mind as I use WMs

Exactly. Flathub is your friend, there, and you're on the newest cinnamon by definition, so you're all set. If I ever go back to Mint, it'll be LMDE.