>HOW do WE communicate to the powers that be our problems and requirements and wishes regarding the Windows "Standards"???. . . HOW would we *also* know that they are/have LISTENED???

I would say that the best way is to design UIs the way we think they should be (if we _really_ think they're better). If they're good, other designers will copy them, and the word will get out. Look at Quicken and AutoFill.

The other way is to write "About Face." :)