> We have to hope that enough of the users whose systems are crashing realize that it’s due to the “shell enhancement” program (rather than blaming Windows itself, which is the more likely case)

I would 100% blame Windows (or Microsoft, rather) for making the shell so awful that people have to resort to these tactics.

You can't cripple the steering wheel on a car and then blame people for not finding perfect aftermarket substitutes.

>Unfortunately, these patchers also cause Windows customer satisfaction numbers to plunge every time an update goes out,

I've refused/blocked updates for as long as I remember since long before Explorer patchers were a thing, because updates break my shit and waste my fucking time.

I've had more of my time and nerves wasted by updates breaking my shit than "all the bad guys trying to take advantage of unpatched systems". Saying my system is "insecure" is concentrated snake oil.

Seriously, fuck updates with a rusty spork.

I only run Windows Updates once a year or two when I've set aside a few days to work out all the inevitable borkages, and I damn well like it that way. My computer is a tool and an appliance, not a mentally ill schizophrenic who changes their personality every hour.

but i'm afraid that your computer is indeed a 'mentally ill schizophrenic' which is here to stay, because fixing it would shift the focus/blame back to the operators.