Microsoft has too many things going on at same time, Windows are far from being main thing and certainly low on income scale. At same time they have to maintain backward compatibility and support of earlier versions. Couple of years ago they removed substantial number of people working on Windows either by firing or transferring to other departments. Azure and AI are now main concern.
Making of an OS is incredibly complicated work, what we as ordinary consumers see is barely scratching the surface. Those working in Redmond are just a fraction of those working for and with them in other parts of world in regional or country centers, either directly or as "MS Partners" developing parts of Windows and other products. Relatively small team has to put everything together and make it work as whole.
Linux for general consumers on the other hand has only kernel to work on and it being a relatively open code, anybody with some knowledge can slap on whatever they want or can and call it "This or That Linux". Although that results in literary hundreds of distros, based on dozen or more kernels, it's still just a decentralized Linux with all good and bad side effects. Unpredictable results that keep major developers of committing to Linux and making money of it. Just gaming industry is enormous, larger than whole entertainment industry, one can't imagine money they would have to sink to switch to Linux without any guarantee to succeed.

Windows 2000 was one of the greats, if it was compatible with modern hardware and software I would have no problem using it today.

Windows do roll forward within same main version but unlike Linux you can't update just kernel. I also have Insider Developer version 24H2 in dual boot but doesn't wary much from 23H2. On the surface it looks quite same except for more AI. Casual user wouldn't see any difference.
About W12 nobody knows for sure but Windows are overdue for new kernel at least.

"could have been the last version ever"
I assumed win10 would have been similar to a rolling Linux release that just rolls forward incrementally, but with Microsoft in control of the direction it could have been good or it could have been really bad, looking at where win11 is currently at and the direction it is heading it probably would have been bad.

For myself Linux Mint just feels right for me terms of privacy and knowing what direction they want to go in. Is Linux for everyone no is it perfect no can you move over to Linux yes with some work and willingness to learn.

MX Linux I consider trash

Who is "They." My recollection reading about it is that it was a lone employee who did not speak officially on behalf of corporate Microsoft.

People will buy new machines and Windows 11 will be on them and even if they build their machines, they will find at some point that it will become more difficult to run Windows 10 on then, as Ms will keep using pop-ups, just like they did with Windows 7 and 8. Also, i presume at some point some software may not work on 10, but since it is pretty close to 11, I don't think that will happen for a while. When I update my PC, which is only used for games these days, I will see how it goes and decide them if i will instal 10 or 11, but no doubt will keep to 10 for as long as i can.

For other uses, I am also glad I have gone from Windows, going for a Mac was one of the better ideas I had. Not so sure about this new OS update, I don't like the Ai stuff, but it seems with mac Sequoia it can be disabled with ease.
Windows 11 seems to be about AI, and it seems well integrated.

I would go for Linux if it did all i needed it to do

which distro have you tried? I've tried over 10 distro and settled on a few that I considered ready.
Linux Mint Cinnamon 22
Zorin
Pop OS
Manjaro Cinnamon

The problem is , 10 year old pcs with a ssd and 8-16GB memory are working fine on w11 for normal tasks , its quite largely proven with the TPM/HW Unlocked rufus installation usb image.

Performance wise many people cant really even tell the difference.

They say its for added security but then the board manufacturers used the tpm ids from their default prototype units and left them generic across the line and things like that. (Bios patched later on).

The average person would be fine with no TPM security it would be no different to them as it is now, they would still atleast get software patching and it obviously works. Even a 2nd/4th gen system with 8GB mem and an ssd drive works ok for clerical work , web surfing and email running w11.

Its forced upgrading in a world that preaches about environmental impacts etc.

Give me a break im tired of it.

Linux is obviously an alternative for those use cases but not every person is capable of switching without mass confusion.

absolutely agree too. I really like to use my surface device for media/video consumption and almost always use it in touch screen mode unless I need to hook up the keyboard for creative apps like Adobe suite. I've been using it like this since 2018 and can confidently say W11 is unanimously and objectively better with touchscreen functionality and optimization than W10 could ever be. it's not even close and I think that distinction is very important in 2024 when touchscreen-first devices and apps (especially x86) have been widespread for some time now and growing still.

Funny enough. I used the (as I recall the said last windows you have to pay for) literally. Moved from XP to Windows 8 when it released. Of course 8.5 was free. Win10 came, somehow got that for free? Oh thats right, free upgrades in the first year. Then of course got Win11 free cause I guess it reuses older authenticated digital windows keys?
I mean, still. Win 10 was meant to be this revolution. So far it has, even under other names. As long as its free, ill stay updated. Until my tech is literally too old (win 11 is an assbutt but can patch those requirements out, upgraded Windows ME PC at my parents to 11 and its fiiine).

Ah. The windows my poor family had and me growing up on. Why I had easier times with all others.

exactly thank you! people expect 15 year old machines to run W11 with no issues. so unrealistic. I upgrade every 8 or so years and its a perfect upgrade cycle.

/s

high blood pressure huh? r slur completely invalidates your argument. you need to calm down.