I have to say, I've been working on the new Word 2007 tutorials over the past couple of weeks, and now that I'm getting used to the Ribbon a bit more, it's actually not that bad.
I still prefer the old Office 2003 menu system, and I'm still EXTREMELY bitter at Microsoft for just switching it on everyone without giving us the option to revert back to the old system... but I can see the new Ribbon making it easier for NOVICE users (those new to Office) who aren't used to the old menu system.
It is easier to find BASIC commands on the Ribbon - although some of the more advanced commands are still buried deep under dialog boxes and can actually be HARDER to find than before.
I still hate the Ribbon for Access 2007 though, and I don't see that changing any time soon. The lack of toolbars is a deal-breaker for me. While I might use Access 2007 for training purposes, I can't see myself switching any of my production databases over to it. It's just too hard to use for advanced developers.
Perhaps I'll change my mind later, but I doubt it.