gravittl (7/9/2008)
As a DBA who manages on different platforms and databases than just SQL Server, the downside I see is that anytime I see a quote from anyone tagged as a Microsoft MVP, I almost reflexively (and probably unfairly) categorize it as "Uh-oh, someone blessed and anointed by Microsoft. I'm sure they are only parroting the party line." I guess the fear is that they can no longer be safely considered to be an independent voice.
This may be ignored as a biased comment, but I'll risk it...
The tag line for MVP is "Independent Experts, Real World Answers." There is no obligation or requirement to speak the company line and I've heard a few MVPs strongly and loudly disagreeing with things that MS has done.
If there's any bias it most likely comes from speciality. As an example, I'm highly unlikely to recommend the use of Oracle for anything. Reason is, I know almost nothing about it and cannot honestly recommend something that I don't understand.
Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability