Are you sure that the Windows updates push all the components and not just those that are required for Windows operation? I'm not sure things like (for AMD drivers) CCC is included.
I believe you're right for AMD. My ATI system still has that epic X850XT PE you sent me. I keep it running with the MU drivers because it's too slow for games; or rather, most games now require SM3 - it's still faster than my SM3 NV card I have on my lappy but I digress. On my lappy it installs the NV control panel.
I'll agree with Dave and add that anyone who trusts MS driver updates for their video card is a loon. I've seen there "Recommended" drivers in those updates BSOD machines more than once for Nvidia, ATI and S3/Via based GPUs.
The drivers MS publishes through MU are the same WHQL-verified drivers IHV release on their own. If *those* have problems (and some do) MS should fix their WHQL process rather than the delivery mechanism.