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They probably want to align versions for Windows and Windows Phone. It looks much nicer when you say Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.

That's exactly it - I don't think the userbase cares. (Hell, I think to much of their userbase, "Windows" is as much of a liability as it is an asset.)

That tying-stuff-together mentality is something that has served Microsoft well while they've dominated, but is increasingly a weight around their necks as areas become important that they can't extend domination into.

7.1 is just an internal version number - it won't have anything to do with the consumer marketing

Since word on it is getting out to a group that needs hyping, it might be a good idea to have started openly calling it "8", then. Build some excitement.

Sure - I'm not saying it was a good idea, just making sure that folks don't lend too much credence to the 0.1'ness

I have heard the term 7.5 floating around a lot