Core Viewpoint - OpenClaw has gained significant popularity but is now facing a decline in interest, particularly due to its lack of support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which was introduced by Anthropic in November 2024 and has since been criticized for its inefficiency and limited user adoption [3][4][9]. Group 1: Issues with MCP - MCP has been criticized for its inherent flaws, particularly its linear context cost, where each tool added consumes valuable context window space, leading to inefficient token usage [11][12]. - The protocol's model requires agents to define a set of tools with schemas, which can lead to excessive token consumption before any task execution begins [11]. - Users face challenges with MCP in daily operations, including the need for constant re-authentication and the inability to manage permissions effectively [18]. Group 2: Shift to CLI and API - Companies like Perplexity and Duetchat have abandoned MCP in favor of traditional APIs and command-line interfaces (CLI), which are seen as more efficient and user-friendly [4][14]. - The CLI approach allows for better composability and debugging, leveraging existing documentation and tools that are familiar to both humans and agents [15][16]. - The argument is made that LLMs (Large Language Models) perform better when given a CLI and documentation rather than relying on MCP, which has not delivered the promised simplification [14][17].