Many AUR packages have a binary package available for install.
AUR is separate from the main repositories. I don't think I ever compiled a package that was in the main repos. With Gentoo, you compile it all.
I understand that, but the comment I replied to said he uses 95% AUR.
The last time I tried to install gentoo the build system itself broke mid-install
Odd. Used it for years and it's never let me down. It's way more stable than Arch which will definitely break if you're not careful as everything is bleeding edge.
I've used arch for about 9 years and have only really had it break on me for a reason that was a) shitty hardware or b) a pre-planned breakage that was alerted to and a solution given via the news page. Maybe some other minor cases of breakage but all had solutions in say, the Arch Wiki. Never has the build system itself crapped out on me, though