all very good points, and I can see the arguments from both sides make sense (to differing amounts, depending on your perspective)
Compatability is certainly an issue but, being devils advocate, for the 'average' user what does .docx offer that .doc doesn't? I certainly appreciate features in newer versions of Office that aren't in 2003, but I honestly can't believe it's impossible to live without them. And i guess that highlights the fundamental 'culture clash' between vendor and Joe Average user. Certain functionality is so ubiquitous nowadays that we almost view at as a human right!
I've been thinking more and more recently that the 'XP cliff' that companies are facing as they look at upgrade options, is a good opportunity for many to switch to open source alternatives. Especially for small/medium businesses, NGOs and charities. Does anyone have real-world experience of opening that conversation in that kind of sector?