If you install an update & this annoying extension shows up, you say the update caused the annoyance. That's how it works. It's their fault for pushing the bug/feature & they still haven't taken it out.
Regarding your other point, I think 1 high profile FOSS project (eg webkit, hadoop, V8 ) or would do a lot for microsoft's image among techies.
Even that option has limited PR value; Microsoft either uses their "shared source" licenses (and comes under fire for not using a more recognized license like GPL or BSD) or they use such a license and feed ammo to the "shared source is trap" crowd.
Regarding your other point, I think 1 high profile FOSS project (eg webkit, hadoop, V8 ) or would do a lot for microsoft's image among techies.