I think Microsofts general direction right now is pretty good.
Imho Windows 8.1 wasn't bad at all. Windows 8 had some flaws, but it was usable as well. I'm using it ONLY from desktop PCs and i'm all happy. You don't have to use any modern ui app except for os settings and the new start menu.
And the start menu kicks ass. You have much more control over what you want to see and what you don't want to see. Also the second dimension works pretty good, you can organize everything in groups and just have the stuff you use in high frequency. Everything else is just start by typing the name in.

Let's see how the new ideas with multi-desktops, changed start menu and so on will work out.
I think that most of the stuff will change until release of Windows 10.

Also what I would like to see in (any) Windows is a built in Tiled Window Manager. That would be just awesome if it is done right.