I even recall that people were concerned about spyware and user tracking in XP because it required online activation.

It's amazing what would trigger outrage back then vs what it all looks like now.

From a UX and simplicity standpoint, in terms of what a typical user touches and experiences in an OS, I think XP SP2 was Windows at its peak. The UI seemed minimal, balanced and practical compared to the obtrusive mess that exists today.

> SP2 came out it was hated again with renewed vigor

Was it? My memory is that SP2 was the point at which most outlets considered to be "good".

No, SP2 was received about as well as Windows 11 was. Googling "xp sp2 problems" gets you forum gold such as https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/windows-xp-sp2-suc...

But I don't really need sources, as Eldond said: "I was there, Gandalf. I was there three thousand years ago."