That is a common and warranted complaint. However, as said, it can be customized to be just as quick as XP or W/7, with more functionality than the former.
I use AutoHotKey to make keyboard shortcuts for numerous things, and do not use some of the default places MS provides for user docs and images etc..
A second drive is also recommended, or at least a partition for your main drive.
Let me know what takes you extra steps. Have you tried Classic Shell? (See article.) Are you familiar with the Run command (Windows key and R)?
I have had computers since before Windows .
I have run a server.
I have had every single Windows operating system to date .
I have built my own computers too.
Here is the pathetic thing ....
it took me half an hour to figure out how to shut down Windows 8 and another half hour to figure out where they hid notepad lol
Good thing - it does boot faster than Windows 7
Other than a new mail program I have not added anything yet as I am trying to learn the OS to be able to help others that always ask me questions when they end up switching to it but I plan to instal it this week .
Shutting it down is really annoying lol