Benchmarks do not take into account real-world scenarios. Not to mention, no matter how much faster "Windows XP" is compared to Windows 7, Windows XP is still going to have a kernel and operating system core that is 9 years older than Windows 7
This means less support for newer equipment like multi-threaded applications and high-capacity and high-speed devices. And what about all the complaining of how insecure XP is? (Prior to Vista and 7 this was the primary complaint about XP)
"Do you want to download and run this executable" (YES/NO) Ok push Yes!
Blame the OS and not the guy sitting between the desk and the chair!