My EPG did a full overnight update, 125 channels, 54523 programs scheduled, and has data up to Mon March 31. The message threads I linked also report full updates working again.
Sorry for being LATE to reply... it's back working again! In fact, I noticed this yesterday. Apparently the MicroSoft trouble ticket noted in #5 above has since been fixed. It would seem whoever was maintaining the guide data MC2XML is pulling wasn't doing it and now it's back!
This is a GREAT forum! I love being able to exchange questions & answers from such an interested and active group!