Old problem "solved" 10 years ago
I had this issue when I was doing Windows system administration years ago. The answer is (was) in repackaging the software yourself in MSI packages and using existing Microsoft tools to do the installation and updates centrally. It's a drag, sure, but you can make sure those lousy Adobe apps have the correct registry permissions such that a regular user is able to use them.
There's no reason to let users have admin rights. If they need a piece of software you repackage and publish it via Active Directory, and normal users can choose to install it via the Control Panel. If you don't like the default Microsoft tools, there are 3rd party utilities for packaging and distributing/publishing software for users. Even Windows 2000 Pro came with a utility from Veritas for repackaging software, although I found the 3rd party ones to be better.
There are even websites that describe how to repackage specific software. Can't be bothered to Google them now.
Sometimes a piece of software appears to be difficult to manage centrally as it is provided with an executable installer, but actually it has well documented procedures for creating the MSI package and setting it up for centralized distribution and configuration using the standard Microsoft tools. Norton antivirus corporate was one.
Repackaging software is a lot of work for a lone administrator in a small environment, but should still be a priority. Once you're familiar with the quirks of each software package it becomes easier. As a customer the ease of deployment should also factor also into your choice of software purchases, and you should also push the supplier to package the software in MSIs. Many vendors have already "got it", and it's high time others caught up. The facility has been there for 10 years from Microsoft's side!
BTW, it's not always rosier on the Linux side. Especially commercial software vendors provide a binary installer instead of RPMs or Debs. Luckily there's no registry to worry about so making your own RPMs and Debs is a lot easier than creating MSIs, but again as a customer it's your duty to inform the vendor about your needs.
The problem is people tend to think if you can maintain your home PC you have the skills to be a Windows sysadmin. Wrong. As a sysadmin you need the power to maintain hundreds of PCs by yourself without lifting your butt off your chair. If scripting, the command line (yes you need it on Windows) or the registry are too scary you should reconsider your chosen profession.