Contact list grayed out in Outlook for Mac

I have been on this issue for almost 2 plus years. The lack of the list function and also the "rules" function on the client side has been an issue for me since I installed Outlook 2019. I have always been able to revert back to the original style when Outlook 2019 starts up occasionally in the new version, which is fortunate for me at least. It is a pain. The reason that MS will not fix either of these issues is quite clear - they want everyone to switch to the 365 version of Office, which uses a prescription model and ensures continued income.

Since this started I have evaluated several alternatives so if ultimately the switch is permanent and I cannot get back to the original version. It is surprising how many come close but do not meet all the requirements. For anyone out there that wants to give it a go, eM Client appears to be as close as I can find. You can import your Outlook mailboxes, etc. to eM. I have not made the switch yet, but I am close.

Unfortunately, my job does not allow me to use another client

I am on the subscription version and it still doesn't work so I don't think that explains why they won't fix it. Its about time someone from Microsoft had the honesty to explain to us all logically their resistance to fixing this functionality. Given the passage of time I am very tempted to cancel my 365 subscription and move back to using Apple mail now (which is free of course) as I do use mailing lists quite a bit. I think it is the only practical solution for me.

Thanks for the clarification - I was unaware that 365 had the same issues as the regular version. Pretty sad that MS cannot even make the effort for the two items that were standard for pretty much since this client was Entrouage, and Claris emailer prior to that.