[qxmat]

As an independent software contractor I could say the same about Microsoft's Partner Network.

Unless I sit a myriad of different exams I can't advance my competency to Silver or Gold. This means my MPN default "Partner" benefit is restricted Azure AD Basic and I can't take a parallel Azure DevOps build with me to a new project.

Worst still, if I leave my MS Gold Partner for a start-up I'll lose access to the enterprise elements of Azure AD (SCIM integration, Azure AD Application Proxy etc). If I'm called out to support something I delivered I'll need to absorb the cost of upgrading my Azure AD subscription.