Microsoft Messenger 5 stuck in 1995

I was really excited when Microsoft announced they were resurrecting the MSN Messenger – now rebraneded as Microsoft Messenger – because they boasted it offered chat network inter-operability, a la Adium and Proteus. But, to my surprise, in order for Microsoft Messenger to work with other chat networks you have to be running through a little piece of software called Live Communications Server 2005 from Microsoft on your network. As you may guess, it isn't cheap. But this post isn't about a misguided promise, it's about how ugly and "1995" this newest version of Messenger is. Look at that window!

Just to go on a Sunday rant here: Is anyone actually clicking on the "send" button in a chat app anymore? If so, does it really need to be that gargantuan? I have widgets smaller than that thing!

Now, I haven't touched a Windows machine or its chat apps in a couple years now, but I know iChat, Adium and I believe even Proteus on OSX these days have more or less eliminated all traces of that useless button. So what is a UI hand-me-down from 1995 doing on a spankin new, brushed metal, OSX-friendly, re-branded version of Microsoft's Messenger? A tiny thing to complain about I know, but that button and the "don't click on stuff from people you don't know!" warning that can't be shut off give this app such an air of juvenility. Am I alone on this one? Someone raise a hand!