Well, this is just cool. To use a performance counter, simply open the Server Explorer (CTRL+ALT+S) and open up the Performance counters node in the tree.
select the counter you would like to use and... guess what? just drag and drop it onto a form or any component and use it like you would use a standard control!
Now that's usability enhancement!
Update:
Well well! you get Drag 'n Drop with the Message Queues and Event Logs nodes as well !!
Way to go MSFT!