I'd strongly consider this being your first avenue. Going to an older OS makes no sense. I'm sorry, but you'll run into FAR more problems with functionality than you will with personal preference. If the interface is the only issue, get a theme that mimics XP. It'll be easy, quick, and likely be the best avenue anyway.
After doing further research on Win 7, I found old XP programs can be made compatible with 1 click. Game installed. Problem solved!!!!!!!
Thank you,
Ed.