I HATE Windows 8. This is the worst OS ever invented.

Mike,

Thanks for your comment, and I regret that you are correct, Microsoft will not change their direction.

While the "Modern UI will STAY", I would ask, "will the Windows User base stay?".

It seems the Windows User base is STAYing, but is "STAYING AWAY" from Windows 8.

Though to be totally honest, even if there is nothing in the "Windows 8 UI" that I like, and despite that it makes my usage of a computer more difficult, I can still get on with using my computer (making good use of Task bar/Desktop shortcuts, etc), Windows 8 is not broken, just using it is not a pleasant experience.

Without a viable alternative, we will have to use Windows 8. 

A few days ago I assisted in the  purchase of a Windows 8 Tablet (non-touch) Ultrabook, and the only reason it is Windows 8 is that there was no alternative.  The non-touch was at the purchaser's request.  So this purchase increases the Windows 8 sales figures, but it was not by choice.

Currently I see two issues, a) Windows 8 is suboptimal and b) current Windows 8 computers (Tablet and Tablet like devices) are suboptimal. Apologies but my disappointment/frustration levels are high.

I am very much hoping that things turn around when Windows 8 (Blue) and Haswell/Bay Trail chipsets converge.  If devices with the appropriate features as supported by the OS (e.g. Light weight, Instant On, low power, long battery life, ease of use) reach an effective position, then things might be different? 

Just please don't take out the "windows" out of Windows.  Overlaying windows is how I have used Windows since Windows 286, and it greatly helps productivity.

I am also hoping that Pen input will take on, it would be nice to see writing back in vogue.

Some sad news for Windows 8

Windows 8 causes most precipitous PC decline in history

http://www.extremetech.com/computing/153111-windows-8-causes-most-precipitous-pc-decline-in-history

Six months on, Windows 8 sales are a mystery

http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/26/4265182/windows-8-sales-after-six-months-are-a-mystery

Some good news for Windows 8 users

http://www.extremetech.com/computing/150560-microsoft-flips-flash-whitelist-policy-after-windows-8-fails-to-drive-html5-adoption

Microsoft flips Flash whitelist policy after Windows 8 fails to drive HTML5 adoption

(this is good news for our flash based corporate video conferencing system. I just tested that it works, with touch screen devices as well)

And a [desktop screen] one click shutdown button would be really great !     Please...

Having to "try to find the right top or left corner with my mouse, bring out the charms, try selecting the Power button while trying not to lose the charms* , then select Shut down", is very annoying and not a smooth action for a task we do so frequently. 

* the charms can be a bit finicky as they often hide themselves before you can select a menu item

Microsoft may re-introduce the Start button for the desktop, but the Modern UI will STAY.

Eventually, touch systems will get some traction, but there will always be a need for a desktop OS, even if it does become a minority product..

Microsoft designers please listen to your User base;

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2035460/windows-blue-wish-list-15-must-see-improvements.html

As the article says "Be still, my restless heart—it’s still just a rumour"