No, it isn't. With the change from OS 9 to OS X, Apple could correct some issues that users had been complaining about for years. Some things in the old Finder were illogically placed... For example items relating to the Application were illogically placed under the "File" menu... with a completely new operating system, Apple could fix this irritating little issues that, while bothersome to a minority of Mac, were not important enough to bother the majority by changing in earlier versions. With OS X, there were already major changes... so why not change a few of those issues.
Apple took the opportunity to improve the placement of items in OS X... other than that, if you want your specific application icons on the Desktop, simply put them there... using the same methods or keyboard short cuts. Applications menus are, for the most part, exactly the same. The primary difference is the addition of an "Application" menu item for things directly relating to the application rather than the "File". They moved the "Quit" and "Preferences" there, which is a more logical location than the "File" menu. Similarly, Shut Down and Restart have been moved from OS 9's illogical "Special" menu bar location to under the Apple Menu.
If you want the ability to change applications from a drop down menu bar similar, but more powerful that Apple's old Application Switcher Menu, then just download ASM and install it.
OS X is as easy to network than OS 9.2... but with far more options and control.
Does it take some time to get used to? Of course. You gave up too soon.
I appreciate the comments, and I will look into ASM. I have been doing things a certain way since early 1985 and its rude of Apple to pull the rug out from under me.
I spend about 12 hours a day on the system, and its often either read a manual or do work--deadlines, you know. I hate to stop work to fuss with a manual.
That's why I still use Word 5.1a, Xpress 5.01, Photoshop 5.5 and Illustrator 6.0. But you should see the books and technical reports I can crank out with that combination!
The absolute only thing I use OSX for is Keynote, for speeches. And even then I do as much as I can in Classic.
When I can't get anything to run in Classic I'll have to retire I guess.