> Recently, I got a call from client who didn't know exactly what platform was used in their applications: VB (!),Fox or VFP. When I came and looked I found that this is all VFP (a little bit messy one:). So, I wonder how this client was counted in all these estimations.

I really don't know how they count 'em. But the same situations exist for all development products. Besides, if the app was a runtime app, then it wouldn't really count.

The point is that however you count 'em the # of VFP developers is dwarfed by the number of VB, VC and probably VJ developers. The reasons are irrelevant. Therefore, from a business perspective, it makes more sense for MS to devote more resources to servicing those markets, maintaining their customer base and growing the customer base. They simply get a better return on investment.