Thanks for the response bkelley. 

Your point regarding credibility is sound. 

Also, I understand that tried and true the principals do not become obsolete.  However, generally speaking, changes in implementation seem to outweigh unchanging principles and unchanging implementation processes/tools ("seem" is the keyword). 

With regard to the benefits of gaining knowledge, again, I don't disagree.  But I believe that such benefits can also be realized via other, less expensive means.  In addition, I would argue that such knowledge can be more tailored by avoiding MS certs.  Not to diminish all who hold MS designations, but I've worked with uncertified developers whose performance was consistently superior to that of certified developers (and visa versa).  Anecdotal and subjective, I know. 

I'm convinced on the credibility front, but I remain on the fence on the knowledge-base front.  Trying to keep an open-mind though.  I want to believe, and I'm looking forward to Simon's post.

Thanks again!