You make a number of interesting points concerning the profile of some that are in the vocal minority. I sincerely believe the vast majority of Fox developers couldn't care less about the level of marketing VFP does/does not receive. It is only the vocal minority that has gone on a perpetual whine-fest over the past few years.

I highly doubt that MS drives their decision-making re: Fox based on what the vocal minority has/has not done. I agree - many are a bunch of whiners - too lazy to learn something else - who believe that they are entitled to the luxury of having what is becoming (has become) an antiquated tool continually supported ad-infinitum.

Whether you look at MS, Borland, Sun, etc. - there is a common denominator of the direction they see computing headed. I think that common denominator is distributed computing - one where xml/messging plays a vital role as well as industrial strength server database systems. And no matter how much some wish otherwise, Fox , although there is some level of compatitibilty - it is still the square-peg fitting in the round role.