Comment 113 for bug 532633

@Mark
I think this is a very sensitive decision to take in a LTS release, considering how many users are unable/unwilling to learn how to change it. It will create that kind of frustration that is not critical but enough to create "hatred" to the brand. There are already several shortcomings/papercuts annoying non-technical users and this will be a big one. If the geek friend/employee is not there to fix it, the amount of complaints will be very big.
Also, I would like to hear real explanations on the "good reasons" for the change. So far it seems just a mere "let's be different" decision. As for the usability behind it...well, you are just ignoring the usability studies that put the close buttons on the corners in the first place.

Let's be clear, this decision doesn't affect ME, I am a KDE user and I am able to modify a simple theme. And as me, most of the concerned users here. But the problem is, as always, the masses. Ubuntu often gets installed by "the geek friend" to the "average Joe"....think of the geek friends everywhere ;) We are worrying about the reaction of the masses because it will ultimately influence Ubuntu's view to the world. Whiners make much more noise than satisfied customers.

Also, gconf is as valid as workaround as the registry is in Windows. It's an unfriendly, crude app that just works, and mistakes on it require fixing beyond the abilities of an Average Joe. Consider that as well if you want to go forward. Maybe you should go "browser ballot screen" on the users to give them a choice before starting.

But the biggest problem here is the feeling of our calls for sanity seeming to fall in deaf ears. This is like a poker bluff. Be really sure you got good cards, or you might lose brand credibility and be labeled as just another evil megacorp. Once you get the stigma, you'll be forever evil even if you just make one mistake.