Ok, update. Regarding the minimize/maximize issue. I know I wasn't the only guy crazy enough to notice this.
Again, on Vista, the animation is completely smooth. On Windows 7, there is DEFINITELY a small micro stutter. I was able to find a video via a thread on Microsoft's forums of other people complaining about this very issue.
Once you see the video in slo-mo, you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. So it ain't just me; there is surely a stutter/pause there.
Have a look see for yourself. Ignore the funny music.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn5UVKQnVgQ"]YouTube - Windows 7 - window animation stutter (a different vid)[/ame]
Here's another video.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWdVrSUhvLE&NR=1&feature=fvwp"]YouTube - Windows 7 Aero Animations Stuttering[/ame]
Basically, it looks like the window is "snapping". But snapping to what or for what, I don't know.
Now, about the jaggy icons, a Microsoft mod said that it's "by design".