Seems like Vista only gives you the option of either sticking with
Vista's start menu, or Windows 2000 or earlier start menu.

Is there an option for users such as me who'd like a Windows-XP style
start menu?

Need the following, but neither classic nor Vista have both:

* All Programs expands out of the pane that also lists the recently
opened apps (Classic does, but Vista confines it)
* List of recently opened programs is listed on the left (Vista does
it, but Classic just reverts back to the Windows 98 days)
* Confirmation of shutdown/restart/etc when shutdown from the menu is
selected. (Classic does this, but Vista just shuts down without
warning. No option in power options to get this to prompt for a
choice).

Any ideas guys?

Thanks.