Windows Live Messenger does not run on Windows 2000, so he can't use Messenger Plus! Live either.
Eventhough most people are using at least Windows XP now, there are still people using Windows 2000 or whatever else and they aren't always able to update it. Not everybody has the money to buy a new Windows version, or even a PC which can run XP, or not everybody is allowed to update (eg: work PCs), etc...
Why the plugins database was killed (and not simply moved for example), is an even bigger mystery (to me). Messenger Plus! 3 is still available for download because of compatibility reasons (as stated above), so should all the plugins, imho...
I can perfectly understand that Patchou wants people to use Windows Live Messenger (and that there wont be any updates for Messenger Plus! 3 anymore), but there is sometimes no choice at all. And by removing the Plugins database, those people who have no choice are punished (not very user friendly
).
It is one thing to cut down updates and support for old software, but it's another thing to completely erase software/plugins when there is no other alternative.
my 2 cents