With this Wave 4 release, I can see Microsoft switching to a new 'Messenger' model.
Over the last 10 years, Microsoft has been using the traditional Messenger name settings, without a real name being required. You can put anything you want on the name, calling a 'Nickname'.
But, folks, times has changed. Social networks like Facebook are here, and most people (including me) are using WLM for contact only friends, family and coleagues (so, no need to hide real names anymore). Also, Messenger use for meet new people are also dissapearing. It's like Facebook, and even like Twitter, where you don't have scary about putting your real name. In fact, it's just work like this.
If you want, you can stay on the old Messenger version, where you can put anything you want on the Nickname field. But, the new Messenger and the new Windows Live doesn't just allow that anymore. Now it works only with real names. Just watch any other Microsoft products related to this:
- Windows Phone 7
- Outlook 2010 (and the social connectors)
- Windows Live Messenger for iPhone and iPod Touch
- Windows Live Hotmail
So, I don't see the Nickname changing returning back. And, in fact, it just Ok for me. And I see will be fine to most people.
On other side, it seems that the Software has still some serious bugs. Despite some people recommend it to install, I'll wait to a new build before applying to my computers:
http://www.neowin.net/news/a-month-with-windows-live-messenger-wave-4
Cheers (and sorry my english).