I, like many don't have to re-download the blockchain. The amount of people with this problem is a small amount.
So if you close your wallet and reopen it, it shows up? Not just in the system tray?
Of course. I'm running it on two different Win 7 x64 boxes with no issues with needing to delete and redownload anything. I've opened and closed my wallet 100 times trying to break it to no avail. Many others have done the same. Getting ready to test it on some vista x32 and a vista x64 sitting here.
WIN7 64Bit here. Open wallet, get splash screen, wallet icon is only is system tray. can't open wallet. This is the latest DLed wallet. Sorry, to me the wallet isn't working.
windows 8 64 and same problem.