I, personally, use and like the app store. I think much of the concern is whether a person hates Microsoft or not. Some think anything MS does is wrong.....that's ok, but I find MS very satisfactory most of the time. It's all in one's attitude.
It's not about whether one hates Microsoft or not (but to your point, there are plenty of M$ haters. I don't think the OP is one, but). The point, and fact is, the store is woefully inadequate. And no, I don't hate Microsoft; In fact, I've defended them over the years, and still do in their move towards an OS (Windows 8) that is mobile friendly. On the other hand, when Microsoft is bad I call it - Windows 8 Metro, no start menu, the woeful apps store. This isn't hate, its objective criticism.
With regards to Media Center, I’m running Windows 7 Ultimate on my desktop, and having a tuner card installed, I use Media Center all the time to watch TV. Outside of that, I rarely use it; not even to listen to music. In fact, I don't even use Media Player. I simply use iTunes for my music.
Now, when I upgraded my laptop from Windows 8 basic to Pro, I also added Media Center as well. However, when I look back now, that was probably a waste of space as I'll more than likely use Media Player way more than Media Center on the lappy since I won't be watching TV on it.
Anyway my point (as is Jimbo’s) is that MS should be rethinking the strategy of what applications to add/remove from the OS since they understand more and more people are using more sophisticated apps and programs for their needs. And those basic “default” apps could in turn become redundant and space hogs. Perhaps this is some of the thought that went into removing Media Center, especially when you already have Media Player installed. Yes, Media Center was/is an incredibly convenient all in one app, but is it really needed today? And would you pay for it?
That said here’s an idea, speaking of the apps store, for those that really want it, put it on the apps store, and if we must pay, make it no more than $9.99 (I know some will argue less but…). This way those who want it, can get it a lot cheaper than “upgrading” to the more costly OS, it becomes an app that may sell.
Regardless, many of us many of us grew up with basic apps installed by MS – Media Player, MS Paint, Windows Photo Viewer, Notepad, etc. And, they are used, maybe not all the time, but still. And if they aren't there, we miss them. I suppose this is why I automatically installed Windows Media Center on my laptop... I'm simply not used to not having it there… even if I never use it again.
My two cents.