I have not read each piece of this thread fully but, I will, still, add my thoughts/comments, anyway. I marked "Neutral" and I will explain why...
1st my thoughts on why other people hate it or think they should:
1. Because (some) people can't/don't cope w/ change very well.
2. Because (some) people don't really 'understand' the Windows 8 new approach to a start menu.
3. Because (some) people think it is the 'hip' thing to do to jump on an "I hate what Microsoft has done" bandwagon whether there is actually a good, valid, legitimate reason for this attitude or not.
Now from my own point of view:
Using the Windows 8 Start screen is 100% optional. What Tiles are there or not is 100% optional. The same as using the All Apps screen (WinQ) is 100% optional. It is quite cool having 'live', Active Tiles and how the Tiles can be sized and organized. The graphical display is kind of ecstatically pleasing and can be felt to be more 'exciting' than a mere list of things.
Yes, the new Start screen/menu can be and is very appealing to many people. As we can see from the voting, actually that is the case for more people than the negative hype has suggested.
For myself, I really like the search ability on the Start screen. W/out choosing to search Settings, Applications or Files, one can just begin typing what one seeks anywhere on Start & voila.
Other than that although, I do have some Tiles (there) I really do not use Start nor WinQ. I do use a couple of APPs, mostly Weather, Calendar and a few others if & when I want them. Sometimes full screen whilst I'm using whatever but, also, Snap & I do use the Switched Bar a lot. The main thing (for me) is I spend 100% of my time on Desktop and in the name of efficiency, I don't care to need to change screens for things. Ergo, I use a
window on my Taskbar w/ an alphabetical list of all applications, the equivalent of WinQ. From this, when opened from the Taskbar I can access anything & everything w/out worrying about changing screens (to Start or All APPs) nor what Tiles Start has or how they are arranged. BUT, this in no way & to no extent reflects any 'hatred'. What is offered in Windows 8 is just fine, IMO (& what is coming in 8.1 may be even finer). The way I operate is just a reflection of the fact that Windows can be customised & personalised easily & extensively and in Windows there are often more than one approach possible to how one functions or chooses to accomplish things. And this concept is especially & wonderfully true w/ Windows 8.
So there is no reason to "hate" Start. It is certainly somewhat different from what we knew in past Windows Operating systems but, can be very cool to use... just a matter of 'learning' it, what it offers, what its capabilities are and becoming familiar w/ its potential.
As I said, it can be use, in whole or in part or not at all. And it can be liked but, does not deserve to be 'hated'.
Cheers,
Drew
