The statement "most staff, few will have ever touched Linux" is quite simply untrue. Fact is, the vast majority will use Linux every day without realising it, by accessing web sites or by using an Android device.
That staff can be foxed by transitioning from Office 2003 to 2007 is an indication of the poor training/lack of training frequently seen in office environments. There's a tendency towards a 'click here to do this' mentality inherent in vendor specific training which leads to users being unable to function if an icon or button is moved.
The problem is neither the OS nor the applications, but an almost criminally unprofessional lack of understanding of the tools. It's as ridiculous as if a plumber claimed they could only work with one particular brand of spanners 'because brand Y looks different'.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
