I would have to say the opposite. I think that windows XP Pro is a wonderful operating system. Networking a Windows XP machine with anyone else on the network is a whole lot easier then Windows 2000 Pro. It detects a whole lot easier. When installing new hardware it is automatically detected, and if not, then it sets it up in the Windows update for that driver download. Now about the resource hog; why be so cheap with your memory? I always do double what is required for the operating system. Memory is so cheap! Don't be a jerk to the end user who likes to have a speedy machine just like the rest of us.
It's also really convienent if you experience any errors while computing. It'll close all the programs and reload Windows, as to prevent any further complications. Restore points? They are truly a blessing. Heaven knows how many people install those annoying screensavers that attempt to take over the entire system. It's much less of a hassle to fix someone's dumb mistakes on an XP machine than any other.