Animefan, did you obtain your copy of windows 7 less-than-legally? I had similar issues with a previous install of windows 7, because it turned out my software hadn't activated properly so it was treating it as an illegal, unregistered version of windows. Either try to find activation software (which I surely don't condone!) or buy windows 7. May help you out.
As for the whole windows thing, it's like everyone complaining about ipod reliability. If the majority of people use a particular piece of software or hardware, there'll be more people to bitch about it, and therefore will seem more unstable. Remember that the minority is the vocal majority.
edit: oh yeah, forgot to include my obligatory spam in here.
isnt that the paul walker movie