Well never compare Linux with 9X. It's been said before and I will say it again. Anything 9X is IMHO junk.I would rather use Dos then go back to that.
If you had XP would you stil use Linux?
MS products will not make me stop using MS products. I think they are genereally really nice. MS busnies practice might make me switch to 100%Linux.
Your last question...MMm I don't know..My over all computer philosphy(sp) would probably make me pick Linux.