I understand the point of the article and agree that ranting and raving can actually turn off perspective open source adopters but I completely disagree that Microsoft should be ignored.
It's tempting to treat Microsoft like a bully, ignore them and they will go away, but the reality is that if someone doesn't stand up to them they will never stop.
I liken Microsoft with the American government, both value money over the welfare of their citizens/consumers. If they can't defeat opposition they use FUD (Fear Uncertainty and Doubt) to try and force people to comply. They fear people making informed decisions because they know that their interests are not the same as the people. So it takes those with courage to stand up and point out the problems that exist because if no one does, nothing will change.
I agree that we should all "grow up" and stop using silly name calling when it comes to promoting open source to others, but I feel strongly that there is a time and place for it. The bitterness that most of us feel towards Microsoft bonds us together, for better or worse. Those of us that are outraged by the absolute garbage that we see every day need an outlet. It is far better to express that in a forum with like minded people than to vent to someone who doesn't understand the issues. I find myself doing that with my wife and she is quite sick of it
