A couple of weeks ago MSN/LIVE blocked the Linkdomain feature. The feature could still be accessed for a while by using Hotbot or tools like all4seo.net, but it looks like MSN blocked this 'loophole' and now it's impossible to use it. I find it really amazing. Instead of doing EVERYTHING they can to attract more webmasters to experiment with their engine (and their brand, in general) - they're doing all they can to alienate them.
You are right, we keep on researching on what alternative seo tools for link popularity. As you said I used also Hotbot or tools like all4seo.net in checking the inbound links. We learned to experiment and to be resourceful.