RE: "Thus, under normal circumstances, the reexamination request will not be assigned to a primary examiner or assistant examiner who was involved in any part of the examination of the patent for which reexamination is requested .."

This process would seem to signficantly increase the time it takes for each reexam, and also seems to provide the infringer with a higher probability of winning - compared to having the original examiner assigned. No wonder we keep getting reexams.

What's the downside for infringers?

We have a name for this kind of process, but I can't print it here.