It's very simple really, the whole Start screen vs menu debate. The Start screen is SIMPLIFIED, those who only need basic features will be happy. Does that mean they should expect all other users who needs the ADDITIONAL EXTRA menu functions which Start screen lacks to just adapt? NO! They are not afraid of change, they just don't want the added utility and features that the menu gave to be returned. Is that so hard to understand? Here's the how the menu was BETTER, not just DIFFERENT, it had MORE FEATURES. You are being ripped off FEATURES in the Start screen.
- No full-screen requirement, it doesn't disturb your workflow and gets out of the way quickly
- Had fastest access to shutdown commands
- Special folders 1 click away and expandable
- Expandable Recent documents
- Start Menu jump lists for pinning documents associated with that program
- Frequently used programs list
- Neatly organized All Programs list by folders
- Does not cover the Taskbar and the notification area
- Search results are in a single unified list of Programs, Files and Settings for easy up/down keyboard navigation but still neatly categorized, just press Enter to launch (Start screen separates search results unnecessarily into Apps, Settings and Files)
- Context menu options of our choice not present in Start screen. Whatever limited context menu actions Start Screen has are at the bottom of the screen which means more movement between the tile and the bottom actions
- No context menu options available at all for settings and files on the Start screen
- Launch multiple apps quickly by holding down Shift (Classic Start Menu of 9x and Classic Shell has this feature)
- Less items fit on the screen at a time due to the large size which means more scrolling unnecessarily for keyboard and mouse users
- The hot corner has poor discoverability
In addition, the Classic Shell Start Menu packs hundreds of little usability enhancements which the Start screen all lacks. It is a carefully refined menu with lots of features.
- Consumes very little memory.
- Every aspect of look and functionality is customizable
- Does not disable Metro if you want it
- Has support for skins, including additional 3rd party skins
- Free customizable Start button
- Completely, free and open source and has had a million+ downloads and counting.