After I upgraded to XP I did not reinstall any version of Real Player, for several reasons. Quality of the format leaves alot to be desired, plus the take over everything aspect ypu mentioned are two of the biggies. Yet Real Networks will insist they aren't stronger because of Microsoft bundling Media Player. Correct me if I am wrong, but I was on the Win95 Beta program and Media Player was there all along, thus even in the beginning Real was competing. Strangely enough, new and updated variations of the AVI format have been forthcoming from Microsoft, but the Real format seems relatively unchanged, thus looking less attractive. Even for audio-only - going back a number of years I was working in an office where I could not receive my favorite noon-time talk radio program, but it was avialble through an internet site that offered both Real and WM formats. This is back under late Win95/early Win98 days. No contest, the audio quality of the WM format was vastly superior, this being on the exact same computer with the exact same connection.
But I digress. The bottom line is that there is plenty of room for third party add-ins to make the OS (and the tools) exactly what you want. And plenty of choices. The basic topic of the thread is that VFP is dying. If VFP is dying, why are there so many third party frameworks to choose from? Why are these companies investing time and money into creating products if there is no market? Obviously, there IS a market. If a true framework was bundled into the VFP distro, how many people would complain that a) they already have X framework, why should they have to pay for Y framework, and b) that the install uses just too much disk space ? Case in point, the Installshield LE. Look at all the complaints posted on the limited functionality. Yet has they bundled in the full version, VFP would cost mre plus we would get complaints from all those who have invested money in a competing product like WISE.
My final thoughts (ala Jerry Springer) - You complainers, QUIT COMPLAINING! If I need some extra functionality and can't create it myself, I look for outside help and will gladly incorporate a third party control or what have you if it gets the job done. I'll bet no two of us here have the exact same setup of VFP and add-ons, so no bundled package from Microsoft is going to satisfy anyone. Best let it remain as is, a core developer tool that is easily extended.

>I'm in one of the non-settling states and will not vote for our AG when he runs for reelection. IMO, it is a huge waste of money. But, you are correct...people want it both ways. FWIW, the companies that cry foul are no better. For example, if you install Real Player, it takes over everything it can.