As W8 is the norm Stardock loses at least one faithful client (been since OS/2) No way in hell i am going to install the MS cash machine. I can understand MS is frantically looking to retain their 30.000% profit margin but in the (finally) changing world that is going to be impossible.
So they put their beady eye on the successes of Apple and Google stores and want a piece of that action. Since they are proprietary they'll go the Apple route, and add to it that only MS store installed programs will function giving them total control over what you install and what you pay.
W8 is the first step. W9 will be the next. Till enough sheeple jumped onboard to exercise le coup de grace and take out the possibility of installing unapproved (by MS) applications.
At least that is their road plan.
By then an Android desktop will be available, and count me in. If my tablet is anything to go by it'll be sweet.

But my renewal for Objectdesk will be unforthcoming next year. The current w7 with my stardock applications will serve me fine for many years to come.