That's just not true. XP home did not have domains, vista home premium doesn't domain unless you do some trickeration.

I have never had a problem with wireless using WPA 1 or 2 and both encryptions, not to mention all WEPs. Have you considered the possibility of a poor driver? And if so, how is that Microsoft's fault? I agree it is hard to use the UI for those annoying times, but become familiar with ipconfig and you should be just fine.