It's funny that you say that about innovation but early word has it that Windows 9 will include the return of the Start Menu or as they are calling the next release the "Revenge of the Desktop". The Metro apps are a poor substitute for the Start Menu.
About Windows 9, early words are early words.
Remember that Microsoft now has a new CEO and I don't like to speculate.
People like new things, some people don't.
I like the new Metro interface, does it bother you? Go back to Windows 7. If you don't mind it, upgrade to Windows 8.1 and you'll have more support to new things like DirectX 11.2 as an example.
The so called Metro apps aren't a substitute to the Start Menu, it's a 2 in 1. You don't like Microsoft asking for an account? Stick to Windows 7. If you don't mind it, upgrade. Are you concearned about your privacy? Do you have something to hide? Just disable what you want and what's bothering you. It still looks suspicious? Then don't upgrade. You can choose to stick to 7 or upgrade.
It's up to you. I recommend 8.1, I've installed to some teachers actually, they don't care about Metro, as long as they can go to the Classic Shell, it's alright. I'm also like that.
@OP, if you want to try it, sure, go ahead. Just make a partition or install it on an HDD/SSD. You can have the both. As long as you like, nobody has to mind it except you.