Why is Google the company important to the XMPP community? I scarcely see that it should matter.
Open protocols are not exclusive clubs or infinite universes, anyone can opt in or out at any time, the rest of us will live.
I think its great when big companies such as Google or whoever participate in open standards, but I also appreciate that they are in the business of providing the best product for their users (in their eyes) and are free to do what they want.
When they do participate, we are getting a gift from them. Its not their obligation, right or even necessarily to their benefit. When they find other priorities fine, maybe someone more committed will move the project forward. And in other cases their NON-participation can be a gift as well.
So whats the big deal?