Isnt the other programming language (Python) supported by other 3D apps too as well as being platform independant, which I think was a bit of a problem with MEL i.e a plug in or script would be almost platrom specific, which would be a good thing??

Also the new dynamic cloth sounds pretty good (if it is as easy as it sounds)

To me it sounds more of an evolution with new technology so it should be a good thing and if they are doing this they are not really shelving maya.

As for support for older versions, I hope that they do as its a lot to pay for a software that isnt supported, its like buying a car that after a new model somes out you cant get parts for.