You chose your handset (and all forced UI and proprietary hardware that comes with it).
You can also switch. I did.

So the 30-30-30 rule for resetting could actually be 10-10-10.

Yep.
Android patterns ARE less secure.

For one yes, the smudges left (on screens that by default don't come with more smudge-resistant matte-finishes). And sure, you can turn off trails so people can't see the visual trace of the pattern drawn by Android....
But the main problem with Android's patterns is that Android…

• Because some older devices don't have access to the Play store perhaps?

Tasker.

You misspelled big-company pilsners as "I-P-A".

Turn it on it's side.

ALL objects reflect light.

They're pointless.

Hmm.
Cynical/paranoid much?

Less than 10% off?
Thats a pretty piss poor student deal.
Even worse because it's not a rebate but a credit you can only spend at the app store.

I have Start8, and like all the options it provides.
I'd prefer not to HAVE TO use Microsoft's one (especially if it's just a dumb button opening the start page).

TinyTinyRSS rocks some solid socks.
It's all done with PHP, so is easily customizable.
Bonus is the slick Android app as well.

Pretty much can't go wrong (unless you don't have your own domain).

You make it sound like this is all of a sudden.
Didn't you see the announcement back in March?

I heard it was both a combination of lack of revenue from it, as well as Google+ cannibalizing the news feeds/Reader.

This article seems to not know what it wants to be..
An "alternatives" list (as the title implies)... or a "what to do" (as step 1 & 3 imply). :-\

Need a post for replacing silk-screened on labels.

"Apple may have brought an end to skeuomorphism once and for all with iOS 7, but if you still like a bit of realism in your home screen, DeviantArt user kimilite has you covered."

Honestly, the best smartphone for someone who isn't good at tech... IMHO is the Windows Phone.
I don't have one, but I've used one in detail and it's much easier to use than the iPhone and Android.
I had three iPhones and for new non-tech users, there is a BIG learning curve. I've since advanced on to Android (nearly a…

Did someone say snake?
Honey NokiaNokiaNokiaNokiaNokia don't give a shit.
(Yeah, I feel like a meme mis-mash. Sue me. :-p)