Call me crazy... but I don't get the big deal if Microsoft moves to monthly/yearly fee (assuming it's reasonable).
- You don't own your copy of Windows (rather a license to use it)
- If you keep your OS current, you're paying each time
As long as the monthly/yearly cost isn't a significant change from what we've had... I see no practical difference.
There's no debating that the beauty of Linux is the ability to customize and keep things super lean.
However, that's a double-edge sword.
Windows is *super* easy to install on just about any hardware.
This broad base compatibility is what makes Windows "bloated".
If you add that same broad case compatibility to Linux, then you lose the "super lean" aspect.
Installing/configuring/maintaining a lean install of Linux is beyond most novice users.
Ever tried to configure a Hackintosh with OSX? It can certainly be done... but it's a PITA compared to installing Win10.