Why do you think Windows Live Essentials 2011 is a disaster? It
works so well for me. Its actually the best Windows Live product
I've used so far. Makes my life easy.
If you're on vista, i think you can still access the social
updates tab which gives you a similar experience to Windows Live
Messenger 2011.
Hotmail is awesome for me as well. Why do you say its not
reliable?
I guess I'm just a bit cheesed off that everyone is so quick to
diss MS when seriously, they've built some good products this time
round.
I think they've finally got it right!