Agreed, I am all for promoting FOSS, however first question should be what do you use your computer for, that way you can advise which distro / software is best for their need.
Linux Mint just works, granted it does use non-free firmware etc. However, from helping a new user perspective let's get people up and running, if people are happy with the distro, can do their work we are a good way there to keeping them on FOSS software.