I actually like the Windows 8 start menu. I don't know why people don't. I guess they assume the applications on the start menu are the "main" Windows functionality, instead of the Desktop. It does unfortunately present itself that way, but thinking of the Desktop as the main content and the start menu as -- as it always has been -- a list of programs, it is very efficient, functional, quick loading, and easy to navigate and customize.

I just don't like the app windows. The only way I've found out how to close them [besides from the top-left popup from the desktop] is good ol' Alt-F4. But I feel that shouldn't be necessary.