You can no longer distribute Linux without paying a fee.


Sure you can, you can't just put "Linux" in your trademarked title without paying the fee. In another thread someone mentions that RedHat and Debian currently do this and it seems to be working out just fine for them.

I think more importantly ... what levels/colors could we tie to this new "Patent Threat Advisory System" system?

Completely Hopeless (red)
Hopeless (orange)
Pointless (yellow)
Mostly Harmless (green)
Harmless (blue)