Any comments will be greatly appreciated.
I switched to Office 2011 quite a while ago and have been happy with it. I'm much like you in that my needs are simple word processing, although I also create uncomplicated spreadsheets. I periodically use PowerPoint when someone sends a file requiring it to view. I don't recall any significant re-learning needs from Office 2008. I can't comment on the mail programs as I've only ever used Apple mail.
Microsoft continues to send security updates and minor updates.
I haven't upgraded to Office 2016 because a) I don't need anything different and b) I seem to recall reading some concerns about it - although that may all now be history.
Also like you, I've tried Pages but didn't cotton to it. Ditto for Numbers.
