It depends on how and where you ride.

As a 50yr, 200k mile road rider I remain a fan of caliper rim brakes for general road use. I also commute, and while still OK with my rim brake bikes, I'd be more open to discs for all weather urban use. Keep in m ind that minimum brake distance isn't dependent on brakes, since I have no problem achieving the maximum theoretical brake power with my rim brakes, except when wet.

Thee key is what you prioritize. On the open road, where hard emergency stops are the exception rather than the norm rim brakes work fine, and their simplicity is a bonus. Even on loaded touring long descents, I find my rim brakes more than adequate. OTOH, I've never worn out a set of brake shoes. After a few years and many thousands of miles, I end up replacing shoes because they're drying out.

For urban riding, where there are surprises at every intersection, and potential emergencies in between, any loss of brake power in the rain is a concern, and for that reason, and that reason alone, I'd consider going with discs if building a new commuter bike.

Unfortunately, my opinion, and preference barely matters because the industry prefers selling more expensive to buy and maintain disc brake bikes.