If all the decisions were based on users, the company will never be able to define the future. I think we clearly see that in product failures/criticisms - even the new Xbox backlash for MSFT. Consumers are fickle. They never like drastic changes. And consumers always choose near term interests than long term benefits.

I don't understand why HN Users need to single out MSFT/Steve Ballmer as making mistakes all the time. They have made mistakes but my point is - RT wasn't one of them. It's cool to analyze strategies without associated fanboyisms/ individual hatred.