For some reason, I doubt that people here would be complaining about learning a language that resembles the next version of Javascript if it didn't come from Microsoft.
The counter to that is that TypeScript is Apache-licensed. However, you can't erase history by throwing up a Github repo.
Moreover, I'm hearing more people say they don't trust relying on a big corp for their client-framework. I think many don't disagree with that idea, but more or less trust Google, so they embrace Angular with prejudice. Anything with Microsoft's signature feels less open, and may push some past that tipping point.
The same way that Google's shuttering of services over and over earns them a bit of discomfort amongst their users.
Technical forums ain't what they used to be. The problem for me is that this kind of Tarot card thinking is also now to be found in your local workplace. But there really isn't time for this if you are trying to build things. Do you want type checking in a language that's very close to js or not? If so then just get on with it.
Seriously, stop the FUD
Not only are these strategic moves, they are strategic moves by a large company aimed at competing with people like me who develop software on multiple platforms and contribute, unpaid, to an open software ecosystem.
Why? Sure, people here complain about Microsoft, but people here also complain about (1) novel things in domains where they think the existing thing is good enough (which, for many, JS probably is), and (2) things, new or old, that they see as fundamentally flawed (which, for many here, JS or any "next version" that isn't radically different, is.)
So, I suspect people here would be complaining about having to learn a language that resembles the next version of JS whether or not Microsoft is involved. Maybe not exactly the same set of people that are complaining with Microsoft involved, but people here nonetheless.