> Where I used to get weekly updates, and focused, useful, invitations to what are called “Product Group Interactions” — stuff about the new WDK or changes to OS features — I now get an endless stream of invitations to SQL and SharePoint events.

If I had to wager why it seems like the MVP program dieing (I have no clue if it is, this is the first post I've ever read about the MVP meta) it has to do with this point the author called out.

I suspect that, at least in its early days, the MVP program help guide product development teams. In return for helping guide development, these MVP's were given preferential treatment over other customers and access to insider information. Now that Microsoft is (at least appearing) more open, they can get their feedback from their open source communities.