Nictron... a few points here. Let me try and tackle them one at a time.
On the performance side your way over exaggerating!
http://www.articleinspector.com/articles/2343/1/Windows-7-Build-7057-impressed-with-high-performance/Page1.html
"Microsoft finally has realized its promises Windows 7 and especially the latest version build 7057. We can also say that Windows 7 build 7057 is the fastest Windows on our planet ever."
- Windows 7 is not only faster than Vista, it is in fact even Faster than Windows XP in some cases. In terms of boot time, shutdown time, general system use, it wins hands down. Vista was released 5 years after XP? Or was it 3, I stand under correction. Anyway, That was in line with their average time taken. So there was no excuse for vista to be as sub-standard as it was. Also, more proof of this is that Windows 7 actually has lower system requirements than vista. Further proving that Vista was a poorly coded release, with minimum UI improvements and no performance improvements over XP.
Driver model and compatibility issues
- Uh, did i mention anything about compatibility issues? Vista was a complete rebuild whereas Windows 7 is only a follow up to Vista (uses the same kernal, just a stripped down, improved version of it). Hence there will be no transition issues regarding drivers.
If Windows 7 was released the same time as Vista was it would of been slandered the same as Vista!
- Uh, no? It wouldn't? Vista had ample time to make a success of itself. It is historically the worst windows release ever according to sales numbers. I was frankly shocked when I installed vista for the first time. I remember thinking, what have they been doing for the last couple of years? In my opinion vista spent too much time trying to comply with government regulations and instead of catering to the user catered to the software companies. Vista's objective was to "catch out" all of the consumers using pirated software and report ALL of their details to the relevant authorities. Now I don't know about you but I don't appreciate half of my system resources going towards tracking my actions on my pc. Anyone heard of privacy? Concerning the front-end, Vista took what many users believed to be simple tasks and made you click more to get there. There was no practical reason for business users to upgrade to vista either.
I expect Microsoft to give Windows 7 at a very low price (or free) to Windows Vista Ultimate users
- LOL! Dude it's not their fault you bought Vista. Besides, since you're so happy with vista, why not stay there

Problem solved.
Kindest regards
Nokoff (Windows 7 Advocate)