I've used vista for awhile and I've had nothing but positive experiences with it. Here are my responses to the points you've brought up.
1. I don't think that's true. If it was, my limewire and utorrent software would be gone. Not to mention my DVD copying and decrypting software.
2. Not true, that would be an invasion of privacy as would #1. What "features" of my computer or software are they blocking? I've never had problems with any features on my computer or software.
3. I haven't once been forced to install new programs or pay for any. I've always had the option of installing or not installing a program or feature and when I click no it doesn't nag me to do so. There are tons of free programs you can get from the microsoft live site. I've picked up a few free games from there.
4. Once again, not true. I've had no problems accessing my data. This would also be an invasion of privacy. I guarantee you that if this was true, someone would be in trouble. I'd be interested to know how microsoft could pull off such a stunt as this.
As for DRM, I've heard it's not really much to worry about as it won't be around until something like 2009 and it's mainly for HD content. I don't even use HD stuff, I still use standard DVDs and CDs which I've had no problem copying either of which.
I'm not trying to sound mean or anything, I just think those myths don't hold much water. I thought the same thing until I actually tried vista, now you couldn't pay me to go back to XP and all the flaws it still had 5 years later. Sure vista has some incompatibilities but once they're worked out, I think it will be the OS microsoft has needed since windows ME tanked.