And that's actually the problem with Opera moving to webkit.

Sure, but how is that a problem with Opera moving to Webkit? Clearly Presto is not relevant at all to all those web developers, so what actual difference does it make?

Also, why should any of this be Opera's problem? Why should they pay the bill?

Just because something is innovative doesn't mean it ends up being picked up. Unite might have been innovative, but hardly anyone was using it.

Who claimed that removing features was innovative?

It's a very strange sinking ship then, considering that they've set new profit and revenue records many quarters in a row now.

In fact, they really started bringing in the big cash once the founder stepped down.

In other words: You seem to be a bit confused.

Maybe the engine made them different, but it also caused problems. Constant complaints about compatibility problems, for one.

What makes Oepra different from Chrome when it's using Webkit? Less site compatibility?

It's the user interface and features of course.

Now you're throwing in the towel to Google, Microsoft and Firefox(which I don't hate I just don't like), leaving yourself open to patent trolls and big business shenanigans

Why would they be more open to patent trolls when using Webkit?

This is going to bite you in the butt, you know it I know it.

Why, and how?

This will kill the crew morale; most of the dev's will quit.

Why would it kill morale? If there's anything that would kill morale it's to have to spend most of your time fixing broken sites instead of doing cool new things. According to an Opera employees, the devs are still there.

Opera may continue to grow for a bit; just like Dell did when it started to outsource more and more manufacturing, and then design to asian companies. (One of those companies is now known as Asus). But it the long run, having no technology, it will deteriorate.

What do you mean "having no technology"? How will Opera deteriorate by using the most popular browser engine? How is Opera outsourcing anything. They will be contributing to Webkit.