Win8 is their first hybrid OS,on Win8.1 you have the option to boot to the old desktop so avoiding Metro Start for the most part,the old Start menu is returning to Win8.1 down the road as well so that should keep some users happy,Win8 is very customisable so I don't see it an issue to be honest and I use both,they are all tools to me so I use what I need.
I've mine customised on Metro Start and old desktop like here,(both are screenies before Update 1).
Where'd you get that desktop wallpaper? It's just what I'm after.
I like a clean old desktop even on Vista,Win7,8 etc so Metro Start has its uses.