The only reason I can figure is folks having Win-8 computers without a touch screen have not yet learned about the use of the search charm. With use of the search function on Win8 there is absolutely no need for a start screen. Any thing you can find from using the start screen you can find using the search function of Win8. Only Windows 8 is faster!!!!
That said - a touch screen is also handy for fast program changes as well as enlarging and shrinking screens. No need to use keys - just fingers.
