7 was what Vista should have been... the complete transition of the Windows line to the stable and consistent architecture of the original NT variants (including 2k). 7 significantly streamlined and cut out a lot of the end-user crap in Vista and simplified the OS immensely. Once again, had MS paid attention to its users, Vista would have been released in the form that 7 eventually took instead of some half-baked transitory product between XP and 7.
It was worse, actually. Upon a close inspection, 7 is essentially an
extended service pack for Vista, repackaged into a "new" OS. It wasn't a new OS, it was pretty much a patch for the old one, and could be even installed as such. I'm OK with early releases having issues, as long as those issues are promptly and
freely patched. Vista had two service packs, then upon getting to a 3rd one they figured it was so big that they could get away with releasing it as a new OS, a move which would shed Vista's bad reputation. A dishonest move, sure, but it seems people took it hook, line and sinker.
I also suspect it'll go the same way with 10, right down to "upgrade 8" option. Doesn't make it any less dishonest, but at least transition would be painless for Win 8 users.
