>>Bill Gates announced Thursday he will step down as chief executive of Microsoft.
>
>I sent in my application for the CEO position, but never heard back from them. This "Ballmer" character must have sent his in first. :-)

Erik,

You have to read between the lines of Microsoft's communications with you. They already turned you down for the job by awarding you the MVP, which means:

Might Violate Protocol
Must Validate Parking
Mulish Vituperative Personality
Mild Visionary Passion
(too) Much Vulpine Propensity (good one -- look it up!)

and the real reason:

Most Valuable Professional -- you're needed too much right here, and they know it!