Perhaps, but in the US it isn't large companies that have all the MCMs. Simon Sabin and Denny Cherry are independent consultants. They either viewed this as a way to bill a higher rate, or perhaps just a milestone for their careers. Jonathan Kehayias worked for a hospital. Argenis works for Coinstar, not a huge company.

There are some that work for MS or large companies, but many haven't. Whether they view this similar to a degree, prep for more billing, an investment that pays back later, or a hobby/personal goal, it's up to them. If you think the $3k for the tests is an investment that needs to pay you back $3k this year, you're looking at it wrong.

Any certification you study for, or even any skill you practice on and learn, is an upgrade for your career and an investment in improving your skills. It doesn't necessarily pay back right away.

That being said, if you think it's not worth the certification in your country, that's fine. Don't sit for it, or lobby MS to change the pricing based on your economy.

The point of the piece was to get you to think about improving your career, not necessarily sitting for a certification.