In its current form, it probably is a step back in tablet use, at least in some areas imo.
Edge needs a touch interface and gestures desperately, for one. Though I seem to remember that they acknowledged that, so I would expect that to be rectified at some stage.
I think the notification centre is not ideal compared to charms, so I would hope they have something in the works there too. At least add a clock to it.
I preferred the old, quick app switching to the new one. Though I think the new app switching interface is superior to the old one (which was also not intuitive to find, swip in and then a bit back etc.).
The taskbar is also not ideal in touch, even when hidden away.
That said, overall the OS is a better experience than W8 ever was. Seems to me that they didn't finish the touch optimisation in time and that it's still to follow - at least I hope so.