I was a SQL Server MVP for 5 years, 2004-2008.

I think that "democratizing" MVP selection online would devalue the programme. Online elections are too fickle and open to influences that have nothing to do with the quality and consistency of contributions that the award is supposed to represent. The knowledge level of those seeking help in many online communities today is often very low indeed - surely much lower than 5 or 10 years ago. Smart people know how to find the answers without asking: they Google or read a book; they don't post. Put bluntly, I wouldn't trust most online communities to choose who is expert and who isn't. I don't believe Microsoft would either.

Also, not all MVPs are awarded primarily for their online contributions. MVPs who organise user groups and conferences would probably be at a disadvantage if voting online was a criterion for selection.

The MVP is Microsoft's award. They invest considerable time and money in the programme as a way of engaging with community influencers, getting feedback and refining plans for future product development. If it became a community beauty contest then I suspect it would be less valuable to them and their support for it would wane.