I use Archlinux and using cinnamon for DM.
And I use sakura that instead of other terminal in StardewValley file.
This lead to SMAPI not work, in terminal I run ./StardewValley in the game folder only return command and process exit.
Then I install xterm for test ,it works.
I think maybe you need to write down that some terminal need to be install.
Thanks.

If you don't have a preferred terminal installed, SMAPI automatically uses your default terminal instead. It sounds like you didn't have any of the preferred terminals installed, and your default terminal wasn't compatible. I updated the install guide and troubleshooting guide to address that case, thanks for pointing that out!