Linux

Automate it or create a pre-made install image, or simply use an already premade install image online as you are essentially having the same final install as everyone else following the guide. Following a guide without understanding the reasons behind each step is a counterintuitive way to learn. The goal is to install a GNU/Linux os on a computer. Gather the required information of what is needed for the installation. This can include the base components, the desired software and/or hardware to be used, and any extraneous needs that may come up from day to day usage. List out all the reasons for each component(software/hardware) and then decide how you wish for each to interact with each other or how they will be used. Layout a personal security policy and the necessary compromises to achieve a balance on usability and minimal risk to your data and system.

While this seems daunting, most of this is skip able as premade os images already are catered to common users. It is, however, the proper way to learn. Instead of just slamming together an OS install from a guide without realizing what you did or why it is needed, building a deeper understanding of the system and knowing the reasons for each step allows you to gain great insight and improvement on professional marketable computer skills.(be careful of accidentally over qualifying you in the interview, sometimes less is more)

There is plenty of documentation, and the arch wiki is just one of them to help you. Installing the Arch OS is the easiest part. It is the simplest goal, and it is the fun part of the process. The other parts are usually boring or need to be iterated over that can feel like a grind/large sink of tine and energy.

I hope my options don't dissuade you from practicing being in a terminal environment vs. the comfort of a GUI. This is an important skill for many users of Linux. There are many time-consuming stuff in this world, and I chose to plan installations and reading documentation for personal development. I may not be rich, but I am enjoying what I am doing.

archinstall comes by default on medium now; there's also archfi and about a dozen other install scripts with varying levels of customization, interactivity, and ease of use. All of which are better options than wiki installation.

Asking a friend

Run the included archinstall.sh

obligatory without an install script

Following any number of walkthroughs, like on YouTube for instance. Try to find a relatively recent one if you're taking that path. Or you could just use an Arch-based OS with an installer. I like Endeavor, it's pretty close to a basic Arch install with a DE pre setup for you.

Either way just don't ask for help on the Arch user forums if something doesn't work, unless you want to be swiftly RTFMed.

You are a testament to the fact that applying sheer willpower and stubbornness anyone can accomplish anything.

I've had a lot of issues with archinstall in the past as well, doesn't surprise me that it wouldn't set your network clock correctly

This is actually good feedback imho.

Sidenote: trying to work on an alternative install guide (not necessarily replacing what already exists but complementing them instead). Would also save me time from having to maintain it.

So you were troubleshooting archinstall? I have never used it, but I would have thought the full manual Intel instructions were less opaque.

As a bit of advice for next time, you can do a YouTube search for an install that more or less follows the wiki. Kai Hendry comes to mind. It may demystify some of the parts.