You Forgot Windows Annoyance Number 11...
No 11 - "Users who winge, moan and complain about most things in a new OS"...
I've been using Vista since the Beta's and yes it takes a little getting used to however, once you are used to it, going back to XP is definitely a step backwards. Yes XP is a great OS, but lets be honest, Humans are creatures of habit, and any change always causes frustration, until it becomes the norm. Half the things you listed are not things you do everyday. The other half are just sheer lack of familiarity. Turn off the UAC if you don't like it, but don't winge when a rouge application suddenly appears on your system!
Almost everything in life costs money. Bottom line, the more you pay, the more you get. Same goes for software. Manufacturers have been offering various versions of their software at differing prices for a long time now. Imagine if only the most expensive version of every app was available. Full of features that you would never ever use. Would you still buy it? Or would you look at a competitors product which is cheaper, and less feature rich. Or start a movement to boycott that manufacturer?
Lets not forget, Microsoft is a business. They create software in order to make money for their share holders. The best way to cover all incomes within the modern world is to offer multiple versions at varying prices. Similarly to car manufacturers. Most offer at least three versions of the same car at varying prices with varying features. Funny how we don't hear so much winging about the new shapes, differing interiors etc of cars...
As for the upgrading of hardware to support Vista, it's your choice, like everything out there. Yes, you may need to upgrade your video card, but you don't need to buy the most expensive card out there. It's long been a fact of life that the rate of change and the requirements for upgrades are driven by what you do. If you use your pc for typing letters, then you can buy one second hand for $50 that will do the trick. If however, you want one with all the latest bells and whistles, lovely interfaces (aero) then you pay for it. Not that long ago cars didn't come with air conditioners however, a pricey upgrade would give you the luxury.
Grow up, learn some patience and perseverance and look at the big picture...
Cheers.
