I really miss the Start Menu on the Mac. To get close to what I want, I have dragged the Applications folder to the dock next to the Downloads folder, and I've set it to display as a Folder (vs. a Stack) and as a List (vs. Automatic).
Sure, I totally understand your desire to do things the way you're used to, but launching apps (imho) has never been easier for me by invoking Spotlight, typing the first letter or 2 of the appname and when the app you want is highlighted, hit return. Spotlight knows where all your apps are so you don't have to.
Oh, I know about Spotlight. I've been using that for a long time, too. (And of course, that's a feature of Explorer and other shells, too.) This may sound strange, but sometimes I find it easier to navigate through the menu. Even stranger is that I love the Windows 8 Start Screen but detest Mission Control. I hate to admit it, but it isn't rational.