WP7's multitasking reminds me more of S^3 than webOS, but your points are pretty vaild. At least, from the perspective of a poweruser; I certainly don't think I myself would have as many issues (although lack of IM integration is incredibly frustrating after using an N900, and was the main reason for dumping my E7) and the general consumer public even less. The main reason I think WP7 will succeed is because MS will make it succeed. Fact is, companies like RIM & Nokia have no hope of creating new ecosystems around QNX, MeeGo, etc. when massive capitalist juggernauts like MS can steamroller through with their infinite money and force a good outcome for themselves. Naturally they couldn't do that if their product was just absolutely terrible, but it's not. And with the stylistic similarities between it & Windows 8 (which you already know will sell in very large volumes) WP7 is positioned for a big 2012.