True. Why Windows 98se can be consider stable. Because its using monolithic kernel (MSDOS).
Ever since M$ used hybrid kernel (NT) they fail.
Its not because they can't make it stable. They just focus marketing. That's why there always been service pack comes out to stabilize it.
M$ always focus on market strategy. And I'm sure when W7 comes out, a few month later there will be service pack for W7.
That's how M$ makes profit.

I've been using Vista since SP0 and never had any problem with it. No BSOD or anything.
And I'm just using P4 with 1GB of ram only.
People who bash about Vista is because they didn't try it yet or because they faced a problem using it.
Blames yourself for not taking your time learning how to use it.

Btw although I like OpenGL more than DirectX, seem like DX11 wins over OpenGL 3.

Another M$ market strategy to make user want to ditch Vista and jump on the bandwagon to W7.