Go ahead and laugh it up -- but in doing so, remember that this "Elmer PhD", has a PhD in engineering from one of the top schools in the world, and you do not. Nor do you have the 3 MS's and MBA I have, but that's besides the point. Nor do you have my net worth, and it's a rare occasion I spend any time talking to people as regular as you. Geez I'm suprised apple hasn't nixed this conversation in favor of the small guy like you.
I agree Apple is pushing everyone to 10.7+ and iCloud and I'm fairly sure that's not going to catch on. It takes a man like Jobs, or a technology so revolutionary that the leader doesn't matter in order for soemthing to succeed. We have neither right now.
Happy holidays to those of you healthy souls content with your lives. To the rest of you - accept the life and circumstances you've been afforded, and move on.
And may 10.9 solve all of our problems!