My outlook on Windows 8 changed due to 3 things:
1. I upgraded a Win7 laptop to the latest version and was surprised at how much faster the computer went to sleep and woke up, restarted, and overall programs load faster and run faster. After getting an SSD, this is the best 39.99 I have spent.

2. I read someone at Microsoft say something about the Metro Start screen being a HUGE Start button. When I began thinking of the Metro screen as my Start button menu instead of an 'alternate' desktop then it started making sense. And I really love throwing the mouse to a corner and clicking to open a menu - better than pointing at a spot just off the corner! And once you are on the Start screen if you need a seldom used app or Windows component, just start typing the name and there it is. Just like the Win7 Start but better.

3. I tried the 'Classic Shell', a free replacement Win7 Start button because I know some people won't be happy without the button. This is more configurable than the Win7 Start menu and will make people feel right at home until they realize how easy the Win8 Start screen is.