I jumped on a new laptop earlier this year (even knowing my financial uncertainty) just so i could dodge the launch of Windows 8. I don't want any touchscreen junk in my PC experience (but then i tend to be a bit of a luddite when it comes to computer technology. I don't want a smartphone or a pad).

Microsofts stock has gone down this week, probably having something to do with W8 sales, since this is the first week that we get reports of a core product like the new w8.

Their market cap is down to 214 billion from 240 a couple of weeks ago, not impressed with the performance of this stock.

He probably did something to get admonished by a moderator.

I think Microsoft's stock is still stinging from the exec departure, to be honest.  What's his name...Skorsky?

False rumor most likely.

This article seems to fit the OP. I haven't finished reading it yet but it seems an interesting analysis/opinion piece:

http://semiaccurate.com/2012/11/14/microsoft-has-failed/

Yeah, in summary Microsoft leadership is out of touch with reality and the whole Win 8 echosystem (incl Phone 8, Win 8 tablets and the Win 8 PC OS) is such an enormous failure that will even start to alienate the business market and lead to a death spiral for MS.

It doesn't really matter.  Microsoft stock going down because of current sales news isn't really going to be an issue.  Jittery investors and day-traders will sell off when they think the floor is going to drop.  People selling right now are dumb because the holiday is just around the corner.  If there are Xbox 360s, Kinects, Win8 PCs/tablets, and Win8 Phones sitting on the shelf on Dec. 1, then I think Microsoft has a problem and investors will react to it.

I don't think Vista or Windows 7 have had as robust sales as Microsoft anticipated they would.  In both cases, the uptake was slow.  Way too many people have held onto Windows XP. 

It's not quite like being downgraded, and or offering bonds for sale to refinance your company.   Microsoft isn't suffering from cardiac arrest and is in need of life support like some companies are.

There are some reports that Enterprise can be enabled with a classic menu system.  It isn't an option available to consumers, but again to Enterprise licensees.  Which possibly means it's part of a Group Policy or a feature available when building a custom install.

From my understanding it is an option that Microsoft is quietly supporting because the preference is to encourage the use of the Start screen.

Here is the thing. I have absolutely no clue how Windows 8 is going to benefit me over my current Windows 7.

I figure it will be faster and it has that Metro UI, but honestly all of my needs are met by windows 7, so why would I drop money on what (I as a consumer see) as a marginal upgrade.