This is exactly why I left Microsoft after 8 years. I worked really hard, had a great year and was expecting a great review. When I got my A-70 I told my manager I would be leaving. They offered me stock, a raise and even gave me a promotion, but I was done. I knew that I'd never be happy working under the Microsoft review system.

I saw many great developers over the years leave for the same reason. This system is poisonous. There is no way to tailor the rewards of the team to the actual performance of the team.