Tapping a tile and the functions of different tiles isn't confusing because all tiles upon tapping have the same function, open the app. You can't actually interact with a live-tile in any way, though maybe you are suggesting that the animations of the tiles is suggestive that you can take an action on the tile other than open the app.
In this regard, a WP tile is the same as an app icon on any other platform.
Having said that, I think the challenge in WP8 vs WP7 is the 3rd size for the tile (WP7 had only two sizes, square and landscape). The smaller sized tile does allow more info/apps/tiles to be shown on the homescreen, but it certainly clutters up the interface and makes it somewhat overwhelming.
Tapping a tile and the functions of different tiles isn't confusing because all tiles upon tapping have the same function, open the app. You can't actually interact with a live-tile in any way, though maybe you are suggesting that the animations of the tiles is suggestive that you can take an action on the tile other than open the app. In this regard, a WP tile is the same as an app icon on any other platform.
Having said that, I think the challenge in WP8 vs WP7 is the 3rd size for the tile (WP7 had only two sizes, square and landscape). The smaller sized tile does allow more info/apps/tiles to be shown on the homescreen, but it certainly clutters up the interface and makes it somewhat overwhelming.