>How are you going to feel that possibly - in the next 2 years or so, if you want to stay certified - you will need to dive into .Net head first.

same way I'd feel if I did absolutely squat to neither better skills and nor learn anything new in this field in 2 years... justifiable left behind with only myself blame.

I know more than one MCSD who doesnt have the hands on skills nor technical excellence to give the certification the representation I think it deserves. And I know many many non-certified folks who could smoke a whole room of certies with one hand tied behind their back and a hangover raging. So do I think certification proves one's abilities? nope. And do I think certification proves anything? yupyup... it proves the folks who get certified are ambitious, dedicated to their career path, and have proven themselves in regards to being able to put forth a better than average level of effort. And lastly, I've seen for myself first hand that for the right person and/or in the right arena, certification can be extremely valuable... but I do admit that arena is far from being a general thing and for many folks the only advantage certification gives them is a way of proving to themselves their own self worth (which again to the right person can be a very thing).