Since at that time these shits weren't really normalized, I can imagine some people would actually like these things and maybe even use them. It would have feel... kinda modern? If that makes sense... (tho when I first saw XP after using 95 and 98 in my life at that point, it felt absolutely super-duper modern x3)
I like this image - it is really nicely done. I don't like what it represents, but the image itself is decent.
Given that this was the prime time for Bonzi Buddy, I'm inclined to say I agree with you. People chose these things years ago, because it added more to the experience outside of "here is your word processor, here is notepad, here are the three games you have to play".