I would say devolved.
and the Menu system let you explore new features and capability. Ribbons hide things. I can see why IT people might like them. Can't have the users get curious about new capability.
Actually it is more along the lines of making the "commonly used features" easier to find for the average user without them getting lost in the clutter, While still allowing power users like us to customize and access the features we want. The end result is no system is going to be perfect for everyone, but this one compromises by offering the best usability to everyone.
Getting slightly off topic here, but still relevant. The Ribbon in Win 8 effectively does the same thing. It takes the things you need regularly and makes them insanely easy to find. While still allowing those of us who are techs to customize a view to see the advanced things we need. This helps prevent users from "getting off into the weeds" so to speak and messing with crap they know nothing about and or just getting lost and frustrated. Granted this is one of the few positive things I will say about Win 8 as the whole Metro ui and removal of the start button and heck full screen start menu crap for non touch devices is just a flat out stupid stupid decision. My only hope at this point is that MS offers the ribbon interface overhaul as an optional patch for Win 7.
In short, Ribbon is good if you take the time to learn and take advantage of it.