You are right, you did not say it was not a two-way firewall. But you did say it was one way by default and that is incorrect.
And it is also incorrect to say the setup is tedious. In fact, for the vast majority of users, no setup is required at all. It works perfectly fine using the initial default settings. In fact, except for some on-line gamers, it is rare any changes to the defaults are ever needed.
Not only that, but unlike all other 3rd party firewalls, the Windows Firewall is coded to block unauthorized access during the initial boot stages of the operating system, well before any of the 3rd party firewall code even has a chance to load. This is particularly important when you first install Windows and are most vulnerable.
Truth be told, I see no reason to use any 3rd party firewall with any modern version of Windows (7, 8 or 10). They just are not need and consume extra system resources (RAM, disk space, and CPU cycles) while provide no significant added value.
Windows 7, 8 and especially Windows 10 are NOT XP and should not treated as such.
I have said this before but it bears worth repeating. You do not need an Abrams tank to be safe. But you do need to keep your car up to current standards, AND you need to drive defensively. Same with your computer. You need a modern OS, keep it updated, and don't be "click-happy" on unsolicited downloads, attachments and links. Even the best security cannot keep you (the user and always weakest link) safe if you open the door and let the badguy in.
As for your first two links, they are immaterial to this discussion as they don't address the security native to Windows. And if you note, your third link does indeed point out that Windows Firewall has outbound protection. It just focuses on the limited customization it allows. But again, only a very few users ever need to dink with firewall settings, but for those who do, WF allows to define custom inbound or outbound rules as you choose fit. And like most programs, once you learn how to use that particular program, it is not hard or tedious to use.
As for earlier versions of Windows Defender, it is important to note it is not, in any way, related to the Windows Defender found in Windows 8 or Windows 10. Unfortunately, this is another example of Microsoft creating confusion by using the same or similar names for two different programs.
As v_v noted, the Windows Defender that works with Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows is an anti-spyware only program. It does NOT scan for viruses, worms, Trojans or the like. Only spyware.
Way back in 2004, Microsoft started to get fed up with the relentless and often unfounded bashing they were getting over security. So they purchased one of the leading anti-spyware programs of the day called Giant Anti-spyware, renamed it as Windows Defender, then released it for free.
Fast forward to Windows 8 and Microsoft enhanced Microsoft Security Essentials, renamed the enhanced version to Windows Defender and embedded it into Windows 8 (and now W10 too). This W8/W10 version of Windows Defender is a full anti-malware solution. It scans for spyware, but also scans for viruses, worms, Trojans and other malicious software (malware). It was not simply retrofitted for Secure Boot (a feature of UEFI) overhauled as a full anti-malware solution.
