So what?
I've found on Windows 7 I often hit Start and then type the name of an application in the Search programs and files field, which is no different from the Windows 8 Search charm. Yes, Microsoft could have made it an option, but not doing so is so minor that I'm amazed at the amount of vitriol blasted at so small a problem. Lots more time has been devoted to blasting this minor issue than it takes to download a third party Start button. It's time to move on.