Ryder66,
Although nicknames are technically still possible (mean reason probably being that Windows Live Messenger 2009, and even Windows Messenger, is still in use), the protocol did drastically change regarding them. What people were saying about nicknames not being possible anymore, in the sense that they aren't visible, is indeed true.
Without 'hacks' (like Messenger Plus! might do) there is no way for Windows Live Messenger 2011 to display nicknames.
Hence the "
it is not possible anymore due to protocol changes" answers etc... And thus Whiz was correct though.
So, even if Plus! might make it possible again to see and change nicknames, remember that a common user, using Windows Live Messenger 2011 without Messenger Plus!, will not see nicknames but profile names.
This is quite different than how it used to be before the protocol change and introduction of Windows Live Messenger 2011 (you didn't need Messenger Plus! to see or change nicknames).