Vista - Windows Live ID & contacts issue

This is for Jonathan!

I'd like to completely destroy a hotmail-based Windows Live ID, in order to
remove all of its messenger contacts.

I have closed the account some two months ago. In some posts here, it is
stated here that it is possible to "re-sign up" after a brief period of time.
However, even to this day, I cannot do that. It says "address not available"
on the Hotmail Live sign up page.

Also, I contacted Microsoft support, they said "Closing your Hotmail account
will remove your contacts and e-mails. This will still allow you to access
other sites (Messenger, Spaces, etc.) with your Hotmail account. "

I also learned there's a year long "holding period" for Hotmail addresses.

Does that mean that closing the hotmail account won't delete messenger
contacts? Am I forever doomed with them?

Thanks.