Having seen a number of articles on the state (or lack thereof in regards to the patent system), the question becomes how many times has the compass been patented and how many compass manufacturers are forced to pay loyalties to patent trolls on these bogus patents? Would think that by now that patent office should have a database to track patents or if one exists, write a search for duplicate records!

The "anti MS morons with their senseless EEE" have long history of Microsoft antics to back up their lock in concerns. Maybe Microsoft is for once looking out for the good of the community and not pulling something, but given the history, it is on Microsoft to earn the community trust. As for insulting folks you don't agree by labeling them "morons" and "senseless", just bumped the Microsoft argument a few points down on the trust scale.