I think the problem is that the upgrade has been scheduled in the first place, who gave permission for that ? sure you can say no (if you read the small print ) but no one is sure if a no means no anymore. and we have now seen that Microsoft clearly thinks a no means later.
Why cant Microsoft simply put a 'No Thanks' button the same size and a permanent opt out, isn't that really simple, why shouldn't the no button be as big as the OK button ?
How quickly we have become conditioned to believe that Microsoft has the right the schedule an upgrade in the first place, there will always be fans who defend Microsoft no matter what, who will be taken in by a ' shiny' new system that changes everything (even if it is just windows 8 stuffed in a start menu) and tiles which are clearly meant for mobile devices, amazing truly.
It's a bit like Double glazing salesmen turning up at your door asking if you want new windows, that they will fit for free, so long as they can peer into them any time they want, and plaster the odd advert here and there that you can read 'for your convenience' , you politely say no and explain you are happy with your own windows.
A few weeks later they call again and again you say no, and explain you are happy with your current windows'
A few weeks later you notice there is a pile of window frames and glass in your back garden, and later they call again explaining that they have been put there to save time should you at any time want their new windows. You explain forcefully that again, you are clear that you do not want their new windows. You get them to remove the window frames, clean your garden up and remove all traces
A few weeks later there is a knock at the door, there is standing the window man again saying he can pop round tomorrow to fit you new windows, you take one look, slam the door in his face and carry on with your day.
You come home from work the next day, and you see the new windows fitted, upon enquiring why you are told ''well you didn't say no, slamming the door is just that it's not an explicit no''
To further add insult to injury you are told, that if you have time you can have the old windows put back in so why are you even so angry, we have saved your old windows and can put it back..BUT they may or may not fit properly, it will take time during which you will not have access to your house and they may not fit the same as they did before.
As for me I purchased windows 7 because it was Windows 7 , I don't want anyone changing my legitimately purchased software to what they want me to have.. simple as, nor do I want them scheduling an upgrade I clearly do not want. I simply want Microsoft to keep their promise they made when I purchased this great OS in the first place.
I for one believe my computer is mine and mine alone, and no one will download multi GB files in the background without my explicit and clear permission. and that if I buy an OS with a term of support, then that is what I will get.