WLMM vs. WMV7

Hi, all. I've followed your discussions for years. I ran Vista with
WMM 6.0 and really liked the editing options, particularly the
animations. Now that I'm running 7, I see you must either use the
ancient version of WMM or the new WLMM, which doesn't give you the
kind of editing control, particularly in adjusting variable duration
rates for still pictures or coordinating the change in pictures to a
particular spot in the music--also a problem with PhotoStory 3.

The new system sucks. Can you give advice on a workaround for either
more advanced versions of WMM or the "new" WLMM, or should I just dump
Windows and go with Sony or Corel?

Thanks.