Keep in mind that Vista was written with "the worst case user scenario" in mind. Those with more computer knowledge can just disable UAC and go on.
I think that Microsoft finally realized their operating systems were getting blamed for the problems caused by malware. It's the popularity of their operating systems that caused Windows to be targeted by the malware writers but most users don't know that and don't want to know that. They just want to turn the computer on and it works. When it doesn't work, Windows, and Microsoft, gets the blame. It was to Microsoft's benefit to address the malware problem...finally.
What is percieved by some as "throwing impediments in my way" and "checking up" is viewed by people like me with customers like mine as, hopefully, a godsend.
Since I don't charge return customers for phone help, I tell them to call me at the first sign of a problem (or what they percieve to be a problem). If they'd do that, nine times out of ten, it can be fixed over the phone.
However, the only thing that seems to stop them from indiscriminate clicking on and deleting "stuff" they don't understand is a Windows warning message popping up. Vista's UAC throws out enough "warnings" that perhaps they'll stop, think and call for help before clicking on more "stuff" and creating their usual FUBAR.
