If you're using an agent in a shell environment with unfettered internet access and code execution: CLI + Skills.
If you're using a hosted agent on a website or in an app without code execution and limited/no internet access: MCP.
We want both patterns. Folks who are agro about MCP do ~all of their work in the former, so it seems pointless. Most people interact with agents in the later.
In my experience one of the best ways to "get ahead" is to give direct 1:1 feedback to someone higher up in your management chain for something that you are obviously right about it (some wiggle room here, but be sure to be atleast mostly right on a non-trivial topic). It demonstrates to them that you have good judgement and have backbone. They will trust you more and start to think of you as more of a peer than merely someone in their span of control (obviously you need to do this tactfully / not be a dick about it but also be firm). This has been a huge unlock for my career. ymmv.
My eyesight deteriorated significantly during 2020-2022 to the point where I could no longer legally drive without glasses (I had been 20/20 or better my entire life). I bit the bullet in 2023 and had LASIK, which brought me back to the baseline I'd been used to for 35+ years. Age definitely played a part, but the speed of decline was really wild to experience and I attribute at least some of that to my lifestyle and work changes during covid (working 12+ hours per day from a small bedroom in San Francisco). LASIK is amazing, for anyone who is considering it.
Used to periodically get a c&d email from FB lawyers for some harmless software I published. Always completely ignored it, not even responding to acknowledge receipt. It eventually stopped. I figure they gave up and focused their efforts on targets who showed they would be responsive to threats. It was 100% bullying.
If you're using an agent in a shell environment with unfettered internet access and code execution: CLI + Skills.
If you're using a hosted agent on a website or in an app without code execution and limited/no internet access: MCP.
We want both patterns. Folks who are agro about MCP do ~all of their work in the former, so it seems pointless. Most people interact with agents in the later.