You don't "lay off" in order to recruit "new people". In many jurisdictions, you can't do that legally.

Not that EA has ever cared about silly little things like employment laws.

Incidentally, I work for a 10,000+ employ software company, and to my knowledge and belief, they have never "laid off" anyone, ever.

I'd better tell management that consistent year on year growth - and regularly heading up the best companies to work for lists - is "abnormal" and "unhealthy". They're doing it wrong!

Because when I read "EA" and "slashing workforce" I half expected it to be about "the cubicle stabbings will continue until morale improves."

Good job that's not in the slightest bit radioactive then.

If nuclear adopted the same attitude that coal has always had, then reactor leaks would be result in a shrug and a response of "So what, you can't see it, so it can't hurt you."

Because by the time anyone who could come up with accurate estimate is asked for their opinion, the product has already been sold and the contracts signed.

Prioritise the order of development and get on with it. It'll be done when it's done, you'll get paid or you won't. Wasting time producing imaginary numbers has never fulfilled a contract, ever.

Anyone else having real problems not reading that as "instigating"?

Yes, "that whole age bracket" agrees with you, which is why the Historical Documents marked the beginning and end of the franchise, and it died alone, unloved and unremembered, inspiring nothing and no-one.

The value is only what you can trade it for at the time when you're ready to deal.

National currencies are backed by the threat of force. Accept this, or else. Bitcoins are backed by a shared trust in their security.

When (not if) it becomes worthwhile for a mob to pay their crackers to perform a major bitcoin heist, it'll deflate faster than the Hindenburg. Make sure you predict that and cash out 5 minutes before the story breaks.