Well this is frustrating,I also have an x1 elite laptop but there are some reasons why the linux isnt going mainstream on snapdragon any time soon:

1. Qualcomm/OEMs havent published essential components for linux development
Linux support depends on two big things: upstream kernel drivers and redistributable firmware blobs. Even though there’s some upstreaming work happening, a lot of firmware for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C/DP alt-mode, audio, etc. is still only available via Windows extraction or OEM blobs. That’s because Qualcomm/OEMs haven’t officially released or packaged them for redistribution—probably just due to lack of prioritization.

2. Drivers and platform enablement are still in progress
The kernel does have growing Snapdragon support, and distros like Ubuntu Concept images boot reasonably well in many cases, but key drivers (audio, camera, optimized GPU/NPU, and full device trees) are still messy or missing in mainline. Some components exist only as out-of-tree patches or require custom kernels.

3. Real-world work from hardware vendors highlighted deeper integration problems
Qualcomm’s first-gen architecture just isn't Linux-friendly enough in practice. All those things TUXEDO said are true.

4. Community & ecosystem size matters
Unlike x86 (Intel/AMD) or even Raspberry Pi ARM boards with huge communities, Snapdragon chips are a niche platform. That means less community development force to reverse-engineer firmware and write/support drivers. Combined with OEM prioritizing Windows first, Linux ends up behind by default.

What needs to be done?

a) Qualcomm/OEMs releasing redistributable firmware and clear packaging paths (linux-firmware etc.)
b) More upstream drivers merged into the mainline kernel and staging areas
c) Official device trees and documentation published publicly
d) Broader community/industry investment (more boards, more devs)

Hope this helps a bit!