So they are indeed (imho) not at the opinion that these so called "side projects" are good for the game - or basically for them. But yeah. I also don't want to involve myself in this discussion to be honest. I give too less of a **** about Microsoft that I want to care and waste my time thinking about what they do or might do or haven't done or won't do.
Still Project celeste(AOEO private server&development) Admins/lead developers are moderators and community sages at official ageofempires discord and forums. It's like chris@voobly and Exlusive would be moderators. Doesn't seem very hostile to fan projects