Michael
The language you choose, .net vs vfp depends on the application. Smaller shops (20 to 100 mil in sales) is a good fit for vfp. Sometimes .net with a sql back is overkill. It is too much overhead for what is needed. vfp is far cheaper per seat at both the front and backend. I use both, just depends on the client. It is not a "one size fits all" world. I have clients (not programmers) that swear by it, so I use it if it is best for them. MS doesn't push it because the don't reap the licensing fees.
Vince