The most irritating features of iTunes on Windows are its constant attempts to persuade you to download QuickTime and Safari and the fact you need to use it at all to "activate" a phone. Neither of those are a prerequisite to run on the platform. The dreadful initial release of Ping also has a lot more to do with Cupertino than Redmond (and they say Google doesn't get social networking!)

An integrated iTunes as an all-in-one media file manager linked in to the iTMS is also pretty integral to Apple's desire to drive people to that store - they _want_ people to think about buying more music and movies when they go to update their podcasts or back up their phone. Much like an instant search that serves more ads or an unnecessary password prompt when downloading a free app update, it makes a lot more sense from the perspective of encouraging particular consumer behaviour than from enhancing their productivity or enjoyment.