I do not understand efforts like these. It's not that 98 Windows UI design has been the paramount of UX. Today's technology bloat and layer upon layer of abastractions caused a total bloat.

Understanding what is required to make a good UX site, and idenifying the minimum neccessary technological components is it.

You are right, Windows 2000 was the peak of UI design. Since then everything is getting worse, the rounded corners and floating margins being one example. The MacOS and web-designer influences were detrimental to usability.