(not the AC from above)
I think the Metro is inefficient when compared to how one worked with the start menu. But on it's own, it brings a few things that i personally find faster to work with:
- bigger targets: As I said before, moving the mouse faster with lower precision is easier than having to aim exactly (especially when it comes to cascading sub menues). I would compare it to how OSX puts the things for the focused window on top of the screen vs. at the top of the window - you just slam the mouse upwards and only have to navigate in one dimension.
- winkey + typing: the windows 8 interface provides me with direct links to every imaginable subsetting in some 3rd window that i would have to click through otherwise. For the most things, you wouldn't even need to finish typing to get the link. Also, it somehow manages to present you with results even if you type a different word to get to the same function: If i type "wlan" or "wifi", i get presented with a link to the "wireless" window (granted, this subfeature needs improvement)
I often read the argument that the start screen breaks "immersion" - i see no difference compared to the old start menu. When i open the start menu, my mental focus is there anyway, regardless if it's small and in the corner (needs more concentration but can see the desktop) or if the screen gets blocked by it (cant see the desktop, but due to higher selection speed i am back earlier)
Disclaimer: i use metro exclusively as the start and search function. The App part and settings part are completely stupid and ignorable (but thankfully, they don't mess with my traditional aspects of working on the desktop)
I was not trying to put down anyone. Sorry for my tone. "stupid" people and "lower classes" were used inappropriately but i didn't know how to express myself (not a native speaker)