I think the hatred wasn't directed at ribbons specifically, but at the tendency of (not only) Microsoft to overhaul the UI of their applications with every majo

I think the hatred wasn't directed at ribbons specifically, but at the tendency of (not only) Microsoft to overhaul the UI of their applications with every major release. Maybe that didn't happen as often with the Office applications (which increased the backlash when it did happen), but with the apps bundled with Windows (e.g. Explorer - not IE, the file manager), you had to find your way again with every new Windows version. That's one of the reasons why under Windows I still use good ol' Total Commander and don't bother with Explorer at all. What Microsoft (and Google, and Apple) don't understand is that for most people, applications are just a tool to get a job done. They don't want the latest and greatest UI, but they get annoyed if they have to re-learn how to do the things they want to do. It's as if the controls on your car would be rearranged every time you got it back from inspection...