Since I've started using the SP3 I have really done my best to use the Metro/Modern environment, as much as my given task will allow.
I completely agree with the OP, as much as I do appreciate the touch-ability of the Modern apps, and do enjoy being in that environment, I resent having to reach out to the screen and swipe in, just to see what time it is. While I don't necessarily "hate" the full-screen app, I do not like that it feels like you're cut off from your operating system. With the Desktop environment, you can be fully engrossed in something (like I am now, typing this) but a microsecond flick of the eyes is all it takes to see what time it is, to see any notifications in the system tray, anything requiring my attention in the taskbar, etc. With Modern, I feel like I've lost the ability to have several things going on at once. Even though I know that's not quite true, I just don't see how I could ever be happy with only being able to interact comfortably with one single thing at a time.
Start8 is great as Windows 7 Start Menu replacement, for the Win8 Desktop. But I don't think that's the issue that the OP is referring to.