"4 of my 5 PCs run Linux. It just isn't worth all the money and BS from MS just to have Vista."
I'm dual booted on two of my three computers and the only thing I can't live without is an old edition of Autocad. So, I will run Win2000 until it drops and then I'm off the reservation. It's not just the cost of Microsoft, it's the uncertainty of not knowing what they will do on the following releases after Vista.
Microsoft is following the Novel path to extinction. Novel thought they couldn't be replaced to and had restrictive licenses, and nearly went completely out of business.
Novell had arrogance that wasn't justified as they were usurped by equal or better technology that was much easier to use. Apple and Microsoft both have arrogance as well, but neither is threatened by better tech or ease of use when it comes to desktops.