Browsers could still provide a consent API but without strict enforcement it would be pointless - and with proper enforcement you don't need it.
I have to wonder whether it was an intentional effort by Microsoft to discredit DNT and to stop people from respecting it... On one hand, the same outcome (almost ignored everywhere) is likely to occur regardless of whether Microsoft made its move, on the other hand, it may have gave it a greater push.
[0] I have my cynical Fundamental Law of Privacy - it must not be enabled by default, so that the industry will continue profiting from it, while giving the user the illusion of choice. But at least those who enabled it enjoyed privacy, although only to a very limited extent.