It is very easy to stop most telemetry at the gate by using a local account instead of an MS one, yes. For as many issues as I have with Windows 10, privacy controls over non-personal data aren't one of them. They really shouldn't obfuscate some of those options, but they're there nonetheless.
Really, more of my issues come from Microsoft "accidentally" shoving Windows 10 upgrades down Windows 7 or 8 users' throats. 10 still has early launch bugs and compatibility issues that need to be addressed before most home computers or laptops should upgrade to it, if not it being better to wait until well after the "free upgrade" window to be sure their PCs can make a smooth transition.
For that reason, I like my Windows 8 install the way it is, and I'm glad I haven't been nagged once to upgrade to Windows 10. I would be so infuriated if my PC booted up with a different, broken OS without my consent, (and it has happened to a lot of people lately.) that I'd install Linux indiscriminately on everything.
At least they won't be able to get away with this past July next year.