I would have agreed until Microsoft removed their top level certification. Now for me at least, it seems like the MVP is the closest there is to a top level certification that truly means you are an expert at the technology. So if I wanted to have a credential that would guarantee me a job as a DBA any time I needed/wanted to change positions being a MVP would be the best credential available now.

Honestly even before they changed the certifications I thought of the MVP as providing this proof of competency as I was only peripherally aware of what went into getting a top level certification.