>>contrast, there's a great deal of shoddy commentary in this particular thread, especially about the MVP program).

I got a lot from many MVP's and I admired the depth of their knowledge but that world never interested me.
Why anyone would carp at them mystifies me.
On the other hand, when the VFP certification came out, I made it a point to become certified.
I took the exam at a testing center on Long Island administered by a bunch of twenty somethings.
They were a bit incredulous when a super-senior came in and said he was going to take the exam.
When I passed it, the kids huddled around and hugged me, yeling "Way to go, Bill!!!!"
I sent out for pizzas and we celebrated together.
Certifications count to clients.
The wizard didn't give the scarecrow a brain...
he gave him a diploma..
and in fact that was more valuable to the scarecrow.