I also completely agree with what you're saying about the community. Ever since Yosi left the post, there has not been a sense of community. This was combined with the slowing down of community efforts from the global Microsoft (just look at how blogging from within the giant has slowed to a halt).
The glory days are probably behind us now. Such a shame.
Myself, I jumped off the MS bandwagon 6 months ago. I use strictly free open source for all development, database, and OS platforms.
The only MS work I do is for existing clients. After being with them since GW-BASIC through .NET 4.0 I've had enough of this rat race. Too bad I didn't jump with all the smart people years ago.