Confused as heck as to how account linking works

Hey @sal7255  If you are thinking about two separate EA accounts, you won't be able to merge them into one account with the same progress. If your Xbox account was linked to a different EA account than the Steam profile, those will have separate progress, and unlinking any of the platform accounts will only reset your progress. 

If this is one account with console and PC platforms on it, you will get cross-progression on those platforms. 

Remember that Cross Progression will be rolling out in waves over the coming weeks. Please be patient and follow our official channels for more information. 

A Quick Guide to Apex Legends Cross Progression

@Respawn 

Cross Progression