I completely agree with Walt here...I've tried and tried again to accept this change...errr
...but don't get me wrong I've been through the ages of pull-down menus & command line only, to side menu screen (by the way AutoCAD 2010 still has this as a display option...WTF?), to digitizer/tablet & puck, then without a tablet & the revolutionary windows buttons UI with only a 2 button mouse, to highly customizing the toolbars and fly outs (of course we all just loved those f'ing smilely faces when upgrading versions), and then after an 8 yr span dealing with subtle changes to the UI (pallets, toolbars, and design centers, Pspace, MSpace, X-Refs, Blocks Editing Environment, and the Properties panel) I was pleasantly surprised by the transition from AutoCAD 2000i to Inventor r4...WOW what a clean intuitive UI...and no command line? ...nor complicated customization menus to manage...seemed as if tens of commands became rolled into one and gee when switching environments so did the commands, Bravo! ...and then this BS of a UI comes full circle and slaps us right in the kisser, BAM! ...I'm not even getting into the slow performance issues...
...again I am a HUGE independent Autodesk supporter and very passionate about new technology...heck my all-time favorite quote is "Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome" ...but this Ribbon stuff just plain doesn't sit well with me, nor anyone I talk too (except 1 person)...call it what you will but Autodesk needs to re-think this or at least leave the Classic UI as an option much like they did with the ol' Screen Menu in AutoCAD!
...one key thing about AutoCAD was that every task seemed to have multiple ways to do so, based really on your individual preference, meaning some folks where keyboard junkies, some loved buttons...this concern is all but forgotten with the rumors of ditching the Classic UI!
The MOST disturbing thing is that AutoCAD in fact has parts of the previous UI's available in the latest version of AutoCAD 2010...remember the Screen Menu! …what gives Autodesk? …still think folks won't upgrade if you ditch the Screen Menu? ...LOL!
…other than that, IV2010 is GREAT! ...thanks for all the subtle changes and major wishes we have been asking for! ...hmmm but I don't remember seeing the Ribbon UI on any wish list though 😉
…don't want to be to negative you know, I got to live with you everyday Autodesk! …another fact is I actually defend you more than you know…we "CAD Admins" have to explain your changes…big or small its us that take the first hit in this battle…we are the first line of defense per say.
Career Autodesk User
Current UI = Classic