,>> but it seems hardly smarter to click "New" in Visual Studio than in VFP in 2011.

Here's one reason that it's smarter - the clients want VS and don't want VFP.
Here's another - it's a lot more productive given Intellisense, compartively more seamless integration with SQL Server, and all the tools available.
Here's another - the rates are higher.
Here's another - I just feel stupid every time I hit the New Buttton on a VFP app as I did a few times today.