Actually I'm more assuming that Shaw's original opinion was incorrect.  I would think that a first implementation of something new, complex and unique in hardware form probably would not work as intended in a first attempt (or second or third).  Is there any evidence that others (e.g., Intel) had to do a lot of "tweaking" in their first attempt (recognizing that Intel or someone like Intel would have better resources with which to work - knowledge and equipment)?  It seems to me that this whole "Shaw thing" hinges on Shaw's actual level of competence.  He didn't think it would work, but ultimately it did - even at little ole Patriot. Many others got it to work, and didn't file for a patent.  And Shaw, albeit a head engineer at Patriot, was working for little ole Patriot - not exactly a high flying, high paying, highly recognized outfit at the time (i.e., if Shaw were THAT sharp, why was he at Patriot?).  IMO, there are so many holes in this.....

JMHOs,

SGE