This is one of the calmest, interesting threads on the strengths and weakness of WP. I truly have enjoyed it and the lack of slams/OS fan rants. Thanks to everyone.
First off, if I had upgraded to WP8 early this year, I am sure I would NOT go back to WP 7. I hope I did not give the impression. WP 8 is a step in the right direction, and it had to happen to get MS where they want to be- a cross platform OS that rivals Apple. That is the one area that Apple still shines over everyone else- what they have works well across all their meadia options.
Now, MS is a different animal- their dedication to full desk top work options means certain things will never cross platform to mobile and vice-versa. But the attempt to get as close as they can in the next few years is going to be interesting. Throw in just how MAMMOTH Microsoft is and all the infighting that must be going on, and I am amazed they have made the strides they have.
However, that means some of the decisions are painful, and WP is paying the price. That is why I say I would not upgrade now. I love me some Zune pass. It is a great deal, easy to load, and easy to manage. XBOX Music is the step they HAVE to take to get the cross platform to work right- cloud controlled and unshackled to a computer. Also, easier to sell to companies and artists because it will work across so many mediums. But it is just... awkward.
There are other things I hope change in WP. I hope the way they do address books change- I find it annoying and limiting that they make me pick from a drop down menu what a phone number is instead of allowing me to type in any designation I want. (If for instance someone has three work numbers to be reached, I have to assign it "fax number" or something dumb because I just can't say work #3). I can't assign different tones to texts or emails. I am also not as big of a fan of the WP keyboard as most of us are. I would like a couple of choices.
But, boy I love the fluidness of WP. I love the tiles. I love the functions of the live tiles and the new homescreen on WP8. I love that a unified notification is coming, especially since I trust MS to get it right when they take their time. I love trial versions of paid apps, I love deleating crap I do not want, and I love the list in alphabetical order when I am looking for the crap I have kept. And, truly, I love MS products. Now, what I said about BB10 is very true- anyone who liked WebOS should spend a few minutes (or over an hour, like I did) with a Z10 and the system is just FUN. I am not tempted yet, I need a better set of devices and I want to see BB keep up with support, something I am not sure they can do.
Also, I like my WP community. I would miss em. Even on other web sites, the WP users are USUALLY among the most level headed, respectful of other OS's, and aware of the short comings of all of the mobile options. So there. I said it.