The problem for me, is I use the start->run to execute so many tasks, whether I'm starting up a RDP session to a server or going into the command shell.
Since they killed the start menu (I know there's utilities to bring it back) it appears to be a huge step backwards in terms of my effeciency and ease of use. Basically, why should I spend $$ on the OS that will make me work harder.
Actually, the run menu is in about the same place it's always been, it's just now tucked away. All you have to do is go to the bottom left corner of the screen, right click...
...and there it is.
I find it easier to hit because the corner of the screen is a very large target in UI terms, and a quick flick of the mouse up.
Or you can pin run to the new start screen.
Everything you're used to is still there, waiting for you. Just moved around and hidden a bit.
One major measurement for me on the value of an operating system is how well does it allow me to work the way I want to work. I don't really want to change my habits to fit into the operating system's, but vice versa - the OS should allow me to work without getting in the way. Win7 does this very well, OSX is good also, even if its not as flexible as windows
I could argue that the new changes might be better in the long run, but yeah, you are right to a point. One of OSX's biggest strengths is that it hasn't changed all that much over the past 10 years. You've got a few new things added here and there, but you're still using Mountain Lion about the same way you'd use Tiger.
On the flip side, MS' biggest weakness is that they can't ever seem to leave well enough alone. Every couple of releases they'll start mixing and matching everything, and confuse the hell out of people. Even if it is ultimately better, when you're used to doing things a certain way, you tend to get a little pissed off when things don't work the way you expect. Take the ribbon interface in Office for a good example. It's easy to navigate, makes what used to be hidden under stacks and stacks of nested menus obvious and up front, and all other kinds of good stuff. People new to Office love it. Makes learning it easier for them. People who have been used to Office for years though? They hate it. And for good reason. They have to spend hours relearning the UI before they're as quick and efficient as they used to be. It's understandable why they'd develop a grudge against it.
I'm pretty open to change since I like goofing around with stuff. Everything is like a new toy to me. I'd like to think there's a happy medium between Apple's conservative approach to UI updates, and MS' go hog wild and change everything spiel.
Takes me so long to go where I need to go.
