If you want up-to-date packages then just switch to testing

If you are not setting up a server I don’t think it matter that much.

You can use testing (or sid, if you feel lucky) to get newer packages. I have been using testing for a year and I feel great.

or LMDE

Why not something like Debian Testing?

Well, reddit doesn’t actually allow you to delete things anymore, so tough luck.

They can just block access to the site, no?

I use debian testing with XFCE. I get fresh enough packages and the only time I had trouble with it was when I didn’t had space for /tmp