How is Windows 8 CP holding out?

It's been some time now. Early adopters, how is W8 holding out as a primary OS for a casual user?

- email (using browser now)

- zune + WP

- skype + messenger

- civilization 4 + Dawn of War 1

- browsing (I'd use Opera)

- music + video (foobar and MPC HC, but I'd give music app a chance)

Is the constant switching between "modes" going to annoy me? That is, how much time is lost in transitions from the start menu to opening/resuming desktop apps?

Are there any major driver issues (pavilion with C2D and intel graphics)?

Is 27 GB partition enough for W8, if now, with W7 i have ~4GB left with all the apps i need installed (i install games on d)?