All your concerns can be solved by automating your installation. (not advertasing because it’s mine).
https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/fresh-installation-shell-script-minimal-templates-app-qubes-default-settings/16992
If you struggle with bash functions, follow the Sven’s guide.
https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/automate-debian-minimal-based-template-creation/11421
It takes some time to setting it up, but it’s a one time job. When it’s done, it’s done.
Update your script as you go, or make a note/todo at the top for new packages/settings/etc.
It’s based on Fedora, but you can easily adjust it to use debian.
When a new Fedora version is realeased, you just have to run the script.
In 1 or 2 hours tops, you get the exact same config than the previous release.
To me, the release cycle of fedora is not an issue (or too short) (YMMV).
(And you can still skip 1 version and update it every year).