I have no contentions generally. I will be moving on to Windows 7. I think it is more 64 bit orientated than its predecessors, and generally , after a few touch ups, we hope, will hand most operations a little slicker.
On your points, though, I may see things through different glasses.
I don't use the Paint program, so no comment. It could easily have been patched into Vista.
I had no problems with the old taskbar and, frankly, only see more visual effect with the new one.
The system monitors in Vista did all that I required, i.e they showed the various activities.
No idea about the Media player, but if it has been "upgraded" perhaps it could have been patched into Vista?
Pictures, themes etc. No comment. I usually limit mine drastically, for improved performance.
Dont use gadgets. The ones I have an inclination for are available, if required.
New Calculator. I hope yuou don't regard that as a "Major" improvement in an OS Also could be put in Vista
Quicker defragmenter. Yes.
IE is not really a consideration.. It is being developed for Vista also.
Easy access to mail accounts. Not sure where you are going with that one. I use Live Mail which gives me one click access to all my accounts, as it did in Vista.
Date and time. I can remember the date, old as I am, but a simple hover in Vista bring it up instantly.
I,ll ignore the checkers, as an OS improvement.
Both programs run 100% for me. I feel that we should really be looking at Performance improvements though, rather than modified built in software options. I will, to repeat, have no hesitation in moving on to 7 when it reaches retail stage.