These things are really not going to persuade me to shell out more money on yet another Microsoft attempt at an operating system.

It'd be better if they made stuff that works properly rather than spending effort writing better tools to submit problem reports.

They've had enough chances already.

If they wrote something halfway decent they could extend it, develop it, make enhancements as time goes on, rather than re-inventing fantastic new ideas that nobody wants and building in loads of stuff to force users along specific paths.

Almost everything I want can be found in really decent open-source.

Web browser - I'll make my own choice thanks.
Email - I'll make my own choice thanks.
Office - MS office is fine, but others might prefer Open Office, or something else.
Burning images - plenty of choice for free.
Security software - I'll choose.

What I really want from an o/s is solid basic functionality. Networking, device support, a decent filing system with file-sharing, and a good user interface.

I'll add anything else I want. At least then I know how it works, where it is, what it depends on, and how to change it/get rid of it if I don't like it.

I'm sure Windows 7 will be ok, but it takes years to learn the intricacies of a new system to the extent that you can make it how you want and maintain it.

I want to spend my time using my computer, not re-learning it every two years.

Enough! No more messing about.

XP until it dies and then re-learn something designed with a vision for the future.