OK, here's what I see. Members who say 8 will never work as designed as it doesn't facilitate the way they use a PC. They almost seem offended that MS put it out there and ruined their chance to have a new OS to use that improved on 7, but without the changes that they don't like.
Then there are members who, even if not thrilled by the GUI, have embraced the improvements in 8. They have either found satisfactory ways to use the OS as is, or have used workarounds and 3rd party programs to make it more to their liking.
If everyone was forced to change to 8, then I can see where the 1st group would have reason to be pissed off. But since they are not forced to change, and have a current OS that they all like, then they are just (often vehemently) voicing their disappointment. They believe they shouldn't have to use workarounds to make 8 work, and that some things cannot be corrected that way. But again, no one is forcing them to use it. I just believe they were looking forward to 8, and are disappointed.
Those who have embraced 8, and have found new methods to do old things, are enjoying the improvements. As long as they are not (also vehemently) proposing that 8 is in fact, a complete improvement, and that the 1st group are just not getting it, then the 2nd group is ultimately who Eight Forums will be for...8 users.
I would suspect that those who fall in between, who have been testing 8, but perhaps will not use it when it expires, will also be using Eight Forums, and helping others. I believe Seven Forums users who want to help, will also help here if they can. As that is something we all have in common. We like to help people fix their problems. Even if we don't like their choice of program (OS) that is at the root of said problem.
Imagine what it will be like on Nine Forums if/when it becomes apparent that 9 will not be Seven + that many desire, but rather takes us further form 7 towards the things that are not liked about 8...
But then, what do I know?
A Guy