Apart from the taskbar auto-hide, I like it.
It's not nearly as annoying as you'd think. It shows up when I need it (IM window), maximizes my space when I don't. I don't need it at any other time (no start button when I have it up, as I use the Windows key; time shows up via a custom thing, see below). I used to HATE having it auto-hide, though, so I understand your dislike for it.
What do you use to make your clock show like that, and what msstyle do you use?
I use Rainmeter and a custom skin made by myself using a few other skins. Still tweaking it lots. And I use a tweaked
Luna Inspirat theme. Screenshot of theme:

-win7-
Only leet people have Windows 7 beta.
https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx