The one thing that's different here is that this isn't a mere update or service pack. It's a new OS. And historically the best way to install a new windows version is to clean install. Yet, this is going to be pushed through the MS store and most will update over windows 8. Needless to say, many will have problems afterwards.
Since I'm a pure desktop user that intentionally avoids the silliness that is Metro, I don't see it worthwhile to do clean installs of 8.1. Start8 is still superior to whatever MS is adding back.
And again, it can't be said enough how retarded MS is for forcing Metro on everyone especially its desktop and laptop users. I've had a relative in near tears the other day begging for someone to come help her out. She constantly struggles to use that horrid UI. But the problem here is that it defaults to these limited, halfbaked Metro apps to open most things like pics, music, email, you name it. In this case, it was email. It wouldn't open for her.
Windows 8 MAIL client renames G-Mail PDF attachments filename and extension to PDF???? describes the problem similar to what she had.
Yes, you can change what opens what. It's pretty easy. But most have no clue and don't care. It should be troubling to MS that this is the kind of experience that I'd wager many more like her are being subjected to.