constatino

Still the same in 2013.

But at least there are companies emerging to tackle these problems.

Exactly. I would respond to this policy by never taking any vacation time ever, or, at the very least, feeling guilty every time I did.

Whether that alternative will actually take off is highly questionable but more choice is better for consumers and hackers alike.

[1] For one thing Steve Ballmer seems too incompetent to make an effective villain.

For example you can make yourself steadily stronger by gradually increasing the amount you're squatting each week or by running longer distances. You don't have this level of control when playing competitive sports.

That said I agree with the social elements. Sports are great fun and joining a team sport would be worth it for the camaraderie alone.