I love how we're quick to go for classic shell or Windows 7 versus putting five minutes of effort.....
Anyways, it's not hard to get the Start Screen usable to how YOU use it. To get some Desktop locations and items onto Start, go on the Desktop in File Explorer, then just right click on either a folder, library, hard drive, or Control Panel item and hit Pin to Start. Then, go to Start. Near to end of the tiles, you'll see the new tiles made. Of which, you can click and drag them to where you like. Same goes for programs, although when you install them, you'll find the shortcuts already there. Or, if you're on the Start Screen, right click and hit All apps on the bottom. Scroll over to find all the program files, and again, right click on those small tiles and at the bottom, hit Pin to Start. Simple as that.
I, for example, have Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music libraries pinned to Start; as well as Computer, Downloads, Recycle Bin, Action Center, Power Options, Networking and Sharing Center, Programs and Features (those were Control Panel bits) along with Office 2013 programs and several others. I feel after using Windows 8 and the Start Screen for OVER A YEAR, it's faster to use if you put a few minutes of effort in making the Start Screen yours. Then, I also use this little utility that right now, lets me use my Desktop wallpaper slideshow, blurred a bit, as the Start Screen background. It can let you customize Start Screen colors even further than what you already can.