So why aren't you using
Classic Shell???? that and a few gedits my desktop is = to my win7 machines down to running the same gadgets. Perhaps I'm missing something in your post?
No Idea what you mean buy Tweakbar? Quick launch still works in 8.1 This package gives you the
Gadgets back I really like their ClipBoarder gadget. Its actually a Vista Gadget tool Bar works just like a win 7 set up.
The only thing I don't like is IE 11 crashes all the time web pages fail to load sucks I guess MS will get is settled out soon.
Ok looked up tweakbar, have you tried running it win 8.1? Just a quick look I don't see any reason it won't run?
Through control panel/personalization you can load any theme you want its no different than win 7