> The "update" badge is a minor, ignorable inconvenience
This badge is something I can not remove. And I can't ignore it, it interferes with notification about regular app updates. I can block updates on Windows, so there is NO "in-your-face modal that blocks your entire desktop". So it's not minor vs major (it's correct, forced restarts are a major awfulness), but minor vs nothing
> There are various alternative file manager apps for macOS the same way there are for Windows
Yes, but some operations require Finder to be running (don't remember the list, some permission settings breaks without Finder, and trash can undo delete?). On Windows I never have file explorer opened and don't suffer for it.
Just like Edge is getting more integrated, so it's hard to completely remove (by the way, hello, Safari!), Finder is also way too integrated
> sometimes ... Sometimes ...Sometimes
is a far cry from "ads everywhere"
> Apple doesn't do that.
Apple requires online connection for (re)install, maybe there is some complicated step to avoid that like on Windows, but this is similar user hostile stuff
> can use macOS without one perfectly fine if you don't need their online services.
Like that service called App Store you can be just fine without?
> not saying that macOS is an ideal .. But compared to Windows 10 and 11, it could as well be ideal.
Understand that, but it clearly can't, it has way too many bad design decisions on its own to be anywhere close to ideal even on a comparable basis.
I mean, I'll take the ability to find any file on my computer instantly with real time updates (that I use many times a day) over some garbage XP style control settings panel interface (which I rarely use) any given Sunday
Sure, that's no thanks to the OS, it's an external app, but Apple's new shiny APFS doesn't provide me with that awesome benefit