Big difference between a HARDWARE patent and a SOFTWARE patent. MMP - hardware based patents. Windows - software based patents. Hardware is what it is, very difficult to amend/modify/enhance/expand. Software is at the opposite end of the spectrum, being relatively easy to amend/modify/enhance/expand (emphasis on "relatively").

MS just adds more code to the Windows software to implement enhancements, and they spend a lot of money doing it (like probably more money in 1-3 years than we could ever hope to get out of licensing the MMP in its entire life). And they license to EVERYONE, and an ever-expanding population.

JMHO,

SGE