I use the dock the same way I use the start menu, it provides the exact same functionality for me (and add the Applications folder to the dock, set as List format and its like an All Programs menu).
You obviously don't use a Mac on a regular basis. I once had the same opinion you did, but I only used Macs on occasion at that point. I've been on a Mac for work since late 2009 and find the Dock always feels cleaner and more useful than the Start menu, especially the Start menu's tendency to auto-close when you get a notification from something in the taskbar. Also, Launchy is nice, but I don't run DOS anymore, I just use quick shortcuts for the 5-10 apps I use most often.