When you spend hours reinstalling xp / 7 , updating direct x, drivers, chasing mallware etc. i spend the time playing games on my console. That's what "deliberately crippled computer" is good for. It wont run office, photoshop
Come on! DirectX is auto updated when you install a game that needs it. Drivers take 5 minutes every month or two. Anyone on this site should know how to not get malware or atleast remove it. Once your system is setup initially it should be as easy as a console to use... more so with steam.
The first rule of intelligent tinkering is to save all the parts. -- Paul Erlich
