Are HTPCs future-proof among the constantly changing tech?

I want to say that they are, because after all, HTPCs are nothing more than computers - and the constantly changing technology all revolves around computers. However, I'm not as convinced as I should be, and I'm hoping for some input from HTPC users.

I like simplicity. I don't want five different components if I can have them all squeezed into one. I don't want a bookshelf full of DVDs if I can have them all stored on a hard drive. Like components, give me one outstanding remote control, and I will gladly throw away the multitude of others sitting on the coffee table. So in this sense, HTPCs make perfect sense. It's essentially an all in one package. It is the object of my television watching desire.

Here's where I question its future-proof ability.

HTPC's main power stems from WMC and its use of plug-ins. There's enough debate over the Windows 8 preview, and its lack of WMC, but it does boil down to WMC not being any type of priority for Microsoft. Also, Netflix has ceased development of its WMC plug-in, and prefers to push people towards the various components that come with a Netflix app built-in. I don't really know the status of the Hulu App, but I'm not sure it integrates fully. Yes, there are workarounds to all of these issues, and for some having all of their movies stored on a HTPC versus on a shelf somewhere makes up for the other issues.

Here is what I'm struggling with:

PROS:
- Built-in DVR for TV with a tuner card
- Stored media collection
- One device that replaces multiple devices
- Customizable

CONS:
- Support seems to be waning
- Quality is not as great for certain plug-ins
- Functionality is less than commercial components

There are certainly more pros than cons, but to me the cons are more serious. What are other people's thoughts on this? Am I missing part of the equation in dealing with HTPCs?

Thoughts are appreciated!

I appreciate the responses!

Let me ask this another way...there is a point of diminishing return - when things become too complicated, more time working than enjoying, too much money. That's a risk with anything, and it's fine.

With HTPCs, is there any worry that too many online content sites will only support proprietary machines (apps built into consumer devices)? If so, at what point are HTPCs no longer worth it?

I think HTPCs are great - everything in one nice package. In fact, I'm mind blown that some company hasn't started selling HTPCs with some hip, cool new name, and all of the OTA TV support, hard drive space...etc..etc. If there was more support outside of using just a web browser, I think there would be an uptake in users and there would be no worry about products vanishing.

PS - In my first post, I never meant to imply that Microsoft was doing away with WMC. It just seems pretty clear that they don't have too much interest in further developing it. From what I understand, WMC in Windows 8 is going to be fairly identical to its current form.