But even that wasn't true. As someone who liked the taskbar, 95 and descendants was light years ahead of Mac. The Mac interface was no better than Windows 3.0, though I will admit the functionality was better. Apple did a better job tying the interface to the OS than Microsoft did (which really didn't happen until 95). So if you want to say Mac 88 = Windows 90 (3.0), even as far as the interface, be my guest. Anything later than that isn't accurate.
I still don't like the taskbar much, and Apple copying it (although vastly improving it) for OS X as the Dock is one of the major usability problems with OS X. It may be pretty, but usability experts suggest ditching it for something more functional.
The Windows UI blows it on a much more fundamental level, with things such as the menu bar locations changing between apps, it not being in an optimal place to click, bad guidelines for dialog boxes, etc., and the ultra-rediculous "Why to I click Start to shut down?"
Apple did a better job tying the interface to the OS than Microsoft did (which really didn't happen until 95)
You just stated it: Windows 95 = Mac 88.
What did the task bar do that wasn't already done on the Apple Mac menu bar? Show running apps? Covered. Advise you of modem connection status? covered? Provide quick links to specific programs? covered. Provide a clock and calendar? yup, covered.
You like the task bar approach... others perfer the menu bar. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.