I'm almost 100% agree with Patchou's opinion, but there are also some aspects that havent been mentioned:
Microsoft actually do make money with its IM service like publicity (expedia.com bla bla bla), mobile services, MSN Explorer, and of course involve more and more users to use M$ products every day.
But in general nice point Patch
the only thing i really regret that there wont be a status checker anymore
[add] and of course there will be some way to fool NET Service that will use msn/win messenger by using the clients md5 codes [/add]
