Been using Win 8 since it launched.
Got rid of all the Metro/Modern UI crap. Boots into desktop by default, much faster than W7 did. Functions as well as W7, with the extra perks W8 brought on the desktop side. W7 was stable, but W8 is bulletproof thus far for me. I do not see the Metro/Modern GUI at all at any time on this machine. It is not rocket science to get rid of the Tiles.
Would I recommend you buy an OEM version of W8 to replace W7 on your current PC? No. She's still heavy on cramming the tiles experience down your neck by default, and unless you are willing to get rid of that on your own time you will find the mix and match Desktop and Tiles experience jarring. It's not for everyone. Either is stinky blue cheese, but I'm not picketing cheese shops - I simply don't eat blue cheese
I know it is common sport around here to riff on MS, but can't help but feel the vast majority of people slagging the product off are the same guys that used to slag off MS-DOS when the Amiga came about and we tried to do the "mouse envy" superiority act on the pee cee guys. Reminds me of the old platform pissing matches we had in the day, when we actually had a foothold as Amigans. We don't have that foothold anymore.
It was dumb then, and it's dumb now. Use what you like, but for God's sakes - don't comment about things you haven't even tried. Worse yet, don't buy into Press Mentality. Find it odd here that the ones screaming the loudest are the types still denouncing Tablets, like they are a flash in the pan. Just because you don't see value in them, doesn't change reality.
Throwing on an Amiga shirt and spitting at old Apple and MS flags doesn't change reality. Love Amiga for what is it - a real fun hobby alternative.
I'd be happy to sit here and tell you everything I hate about Windows 8, and why I don't recommend you buy it at any price unless you know what you are doing. I'd also be happy to sit here and tell you how, now that I have it tweaked, how I am very happy with it.