When I was at the Media Lab <mumble> years ago, his group was perceived internally as one of the top groups, and everyone I knew who worked in his group had great things to say about him.
pcl, out of curiosity, what group was that? I was under the impression he didn't have his own particular group. Just that he oversaw other groups. Could be wrong though...
I only ever worked down in the basement, and visited via the corporate sponsorship avenues, so I'm just repeating what I've heard. Have never worked with him directly.
So at minimum he's a great networker who can help his students get good placements.
He's also been involved heavily in creative commons and helped secure funding to keep it going.
He might rub you the wrong way but I'd give the probably not-stupid MIT people the benefit of the doubt that they chose him because they think he adds value to the institution, not because of some fluffy feely thing.
