You can block bloatware/partner/advertisement apps from cluttering up your fresh Windows installation by changing just one setting during the installation.
With some industry software, the proprietary stuff really is better. There are plenty of great FOSS tools out there, but not always the exact thing you need. For example, PDF software: I don't know of any editor as powerful as Acrobat. And I absolutely hate Acrobat, but it's the best tool out there for modifying a PDF.