This is exactly right. You'll also notice that with WOTLK's overly easy content users have been flocking to other games. Hardcore gaming isn't in a decline at all. There is simply a rise in casual gaming. I would also say that 'massively outstriping' is a gross over statement. That article cites the top ten selling games in Australia. However, the top ten selling games worldwide tells a different tale entirely.

It is not 'easier' to exploit Linux/UNIX than it is windows. If that were true you wouldn't see the number of exploits, and security advisories that you do every day. Just because the Microsoft CTO says it does not make it true.

The reason for blocking competing search engines doesn't matter. Anti-competitive behavior doesn't require impure motives. Actually, most of the incurred by Microsoft in the EU were also 'features' that were 'part of the design'.

Many have. Obama's tech-related voting record is certainly better than most candidates that come to mind. He's voted against telecom immunity, and FISA fairly vehemently in the past. Perhaps the vague language is merely a way to package both Biden/Obama's views into a single declaration? It was probably just a way to describe both of their technological goals without smearing their respective stances. Should that be the case, it's still the top of the ticket that calls the shots.