That's more due to compatibility issues with third party applications than anything. We had multiple software suites that we had wait to be updated to work with Windows 7 coming from XP. We still have some people on XP machines because of this. I don't blame MS for any of it.
Regardless of whether you're on Windows 7 or Windows 8, once a particular application is loaded the interface is the same for both.
I get your point though. Going from Windows XP to Windows 7 was a huge deal and offered big advances, but going from Windows 7 to 8 is a side step and doesn't enhance productivity in the least. I think whatever it's successor is will likely be the next big move from a business standpoint.
Windows 8 was designed solely as a bridge into the mobile consumer world and was never really supposed to replace Windows 7 in the corporate world.
Windows 8 is actually windows 7.1 with a crappier interface.
I am still using Windows Xp pro on my work computer for basic computer needs like spread sheets, emails, letters, dupont colornet paint program, internet surfing and so on.
I feel that Windows 8 would be overkill for my present needs. I rather upgrade to Windows 7 instead unless someone can tell me a good reason for a small business to upgrade to Windows 8 instead?