I think they're right about the interface itself, and agree with you wholeheartedly about the technical problems of the time. NT was a massive leap forward and it amazes me how long it existed before Microsoft could merge the consumer and business spaces in XP.

That said, something to be said for truly feeling in control of your own computer and not worrying at all about what it's doing behind your back (or what might change without you knowing in the next update!)