I had seen the IE7 decision somewhere else. Can't say I was pleased when I saw it...

It is unfortunately the same thought process as the WGA Notification that MS also considered to be a "Critical" update. And the truth is, neither are "Critical".

FWIW... I don't question at all that IE7 will improve security over IE6. But IE6 has been, and when used appropriately, still is, reasonably safe. IMO, it's not "Critical" that a browser be pushed into a user's PC...