Ask yourself how many of the thousands and thousands of patents held by MSFT, INTC, IBM, etc. are being challenged by the USPTO.  Then ask youself how many owned by small companies or individuals are being challenged by the USPTO.  I'd bet there is a GREAT DISPARITY in the ratio.  IMO the USPTO is nothing but an arm of big business working in tandem with the government  to destroy the patent system in favor of the few who want to own or control those patents they are presently having to license.  This is my opinion and mine alone, but until someone can show me otherwise, I'll stick to my way of thinking.  This is similar to the way the FDA works... they are supposed to be protecting the populace, but in reality they are protective of the big PHARMA companies while trying to quash drugs, vitamins and minerals, and other ways of dealing with disease that threaten to derail profits from the drug companies.