Our main frustration had nothing to do with the increased requirements, but rather Microsoft extending the deadline for partners to achieve the requirements after we had worked really hard to get our organization certified prior to the original deadlines, But, as many times before, sales rules. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

I should not complain as I will personally benefit from the new policy in the short term however I doubt the effect will be what is intended. Sales ultimately are done by the best party for the job, strong partners make more sales and weak partners less no matter what certificate hangs on the corporate office wall. More partners (as long as they are competent) ultimately expand brand reach and generate demand expanding the size of the pie, with less partners less demand generation occurs and ulimately the size of the pie shrinks. How many people used to take airline flights 50 years ago when their was limited flights, how many take flights now. Yes each airline was more profitable 50 years ago than they are now but the guy selling the planes (metaphor for software developer) doesnt care about that! I would suggest a basic economics course may be in order for a few policy setters before you implode your own brand.

Tiers always end in tears. The industry is littered with examples. Many good people and companies will move on and do other things. The remaining companies may get bigger and bigger by default, but will the best talent want to work for them? will the creativity and specialisms that gave Navision its original success slowly wither under the mantle of certified 'excellence' and, oh yes, how much you spend every year?