Mod points! My kingdom for some mod points!
I have had my fair share of Windows problems and even though the changes in Windows 8 aren't revolutionary or ground-breaking they are much welcomed. Just about every feature you listed is possible with Windows XP, 7, and even Vista; but they required knowledge of how to properly configure Windows, get rid of all the crap you don't need, and then properly install and configure the third-party applications that handled features the OS now natively provides.
I got to the point where I came up with a list of must-have apps and configs for any family member or friend asking for help "fixing" their computer. I had to keep my list and software library up-to-date, or rely on a website like "i use this" to take care of that. And I have lists for Windows, Mac, and Linux OSes; nobody is perfect.
UI mess aside I welcome such improvements in an OS like Windows 8.