>Seems to me that Microsoft is more of a "show me the money" company than a "make developers happy and engender loyalty" type company.

I disagree. I've had my opinion heard and been asked for my opinion by Microsoft more than any other company. I've spent perhaps $2000 on FoxPro over the years, despite that they listened. I've spent far more at my bank and to car companies and they have never listend to me.

Microsoft is always reaching out to developers.