Shoutbox

Erm.  The reason why you're seeing this is because Messenger couldn't connect to the Messenger Configuration Web Service.  When it can't, buttons like the My Space will be gone (and as should some of the ads, assuming you didn't *cough* disable them).

Logging out and back in (assuming the web service can be reached) should solve it.  Reinstalling till the cows come home will not.

As well, the Messenger servers are not localized, you reach the same servers regardless if you're in Toronto, London or Timbuktu.  However, within the scope of the servers (which are in Mountain View, California for interest), things do go down from time to time *cough again*.