Steve, you need to have a play around with Win 7 the next time you are in a shop, then you will see what I mean. The functionality of the older task bar is still there, but it has now been made much more streamlined and smoother to use. Definitely prefer it.
I don't tend to go to computer shops. I suppose I could pop in to PC World next week and have a look.

Apple never copied anyone else's ideas now did they?
Seems to me like everyone is just copying off each other. That includes MS copying Apple, and Apple copying MS .

*sits down and prepares to watch the ClassicAmiga Mac vs PC war v2.0 *