Agree. Cool post Jeff.
If I choose a plugin/service, I always check how the developer is active. Checking changelog, last update, blog, twitter ...
Even if a plugin/service looks cool but not any noise from a developer/company for two-three months, I hold back.

What I also like is if I know what I can expect from the plugin in near future, not many developers has something like a roadmap or at least some thoughts about a direction where he try to move.
Usually, I don't build a business or website for one month, so know something more about tools/services what I use is always appreciated. I also enjoy contact with a developer (comment, twitter, forum ...) as I prefer some kind of relationship instead of just filling a credit card data to a form.