Food for Thought
I am an "older" IT guy. I have no issues with Win 8. It is very different and has a learning curve as did each new release. My "older" friends who are now using it who r not IT saavy r really having a hard time adjusting. There is no happy medium unless u understand the uses of the Windows key. Most people my age don't have any clue what that means. Most don't know how to search for the information on the net. Maybe an icon or panel readily available on the new Start Page which allows them to revert to the old look temporarily or displays the "Windows Key" options (options would be selectable) would be helpful.
Please don't reply with "use the tutorial". Most don't know where that is and after going through it would be even more confused. This is just the opinion of an old guy..... LOL