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!