Looks like a nice upgrade. The missing start button still s**ks, but i trust stardock (or someone else) will do something nice about it (with a little better start8).
About people using Vista: i respect them. Aflter all, i was a Vista user for time (Windows 7 changed it all). However, they must understand something: they are a minority, so it's logical to see Microsoft excluding them from new software updates. I'm not saying it's fair, i'm just saying it's logical.
About XP users: well, they have their reasons. After all, for basic work, it's still a good OS. However, we all have to be honest: That OS is around 11 years old (i think it was released on August 24, 2001 to manufacturers. not really sure). I don't need to say more, because, in 11 years lots of things happen, and we had lot's of things happening.
Some people say: "If it does the job, then don't change it". But i say "if it can do it better, let's try it. And if it's really better, let's see it we can have it".
In other words, i'm gonna try this new Win8, and if it's really better than Win7, i'll download it (err... i mean, buy it).