I see where you're coming from, but 90% of people MS need to target actually try out a phone before buying it. They pick it up, give it a test drive and the rest follows. If they don't like the tiles, that'll smack them in the face the moment they pick it up. I'm pretty sure they won't be asking if there's an option to turn them off.
You are right. But getting this phone the way I did made me think of something about the OS-
What if I chose one of the 6 android phones I was offered? Do you think I would be posting in forums about options, settings, the home screen, notifications, etc..? Even if someone 'test-drived' this phone before buying, and liked it.. just the lack of settings or customization may turn them off.
Genius is in developing a new technology that has aspects that can appeal to EVERYONE, without defaming its original innovative idea.
If I picked any phone "X" and hated it, don't you think somewhere along the way I could get used to it or make it the way I like? This also goes for getting wp7 as a gift or a company choosing this phone for it's employees, or anyone else just wanting to try something different.
You may wanna test drive a new car to see if you like how it feels, or listen to a new artist before buying their album....but something used for communication should be designed in a way that anyone could get used to.