First i used XP, then 3 years ago i started using Ubuntu. I really liked it and i was using for 2 years. Then one day i got tired of it. I had everything as i wanted and it was cool and what it is more important it worked great.
Minor problems when i was messing around with it. Like when you get that resolution problem and you have to reconfigure the X server (or whatever it was called). Other than that i had 0 problems and i really liked the search for solutions for the compatibilities issues you had with some parts (webcam, ipod, ..)
Now i am using Win7, cause as i said i got tired of Ubuntu (not its problem, but me being bored). I can say i cannot touch any WinXP now, Win7 overpasses it clearly. And i think it's a great OS. I must confess I am lucky and i can get it from work so that's why i am using. They "force" me to do some homework so i can install the OS on my PC to be able to do that. If i wouldn't be able to get the win7 i would be still using Ubuntu.
I will probably try again Ubuntu on some of the PCs at home.
About your problems with Win7, it sounds really weird. To me it takes less than 2 seconds to open IE9. And i have to say that i use Opera. Other thing i cannot life without. When i touch other PC and have to deal with Firefox or IE9, puff, my efficiency drops to 50% (mouse gestures, notes, ...)
On win7 i would add some easier personalization. Linux wins there by far and thats great.