Shoutbox

No, nothing like this works anymore, it's due to changes in Messenger's protocols.

The "Appear Offline" feature means just that.....you'll appear offline to people.  If you suspect someone's appearing offline then try talking to them.....if they don't reply then they either aren't there, or don't want to talk to you.  There isn't a way for you to find out if they're there or not, as it would defeat the point of the status