People resist change. The Windows ball hasn't had start on it since 2007, yet people still call it the "Start Menu." It's back in 8.1 and it basically does the same thing the Windows key does, it brings you to the Windows 8 Desktop. What is wrong with the Windows 8 desktop? Basically it doesn't look like the Windows 7 flop up menu, that's the bottom line.
I don't think thats all of it. I installed 8 on a Tablet PC. It took longer using the touch interface with a touch pen to find and start the apps I wanted IMO it comes down the inefficient use of screen size: massive tiles mean larger hand movements, more hand movements, less information within easy reach. It slows the user down, it creates an obstacle that just doesn't need to be there.
I installed a 3rd part start menu, 1 week later, and made 8 boot straight into the desktop. But it still *felt* cumbersome: it takes more clicks to get to the control panel for example.
And the default theme windows just looks bad.
I eventually took it off after 1 month and went back to Windows 7.
