I think your assessment is generally accurate.

I don't think the JML will be granted. That's just an easy and inexpensive thing to put out there in case the judge does go for it. I don't think he will.

I'm not sure what kind of value HTC gains from filing an appeal. At $960K, I'd walk as well. Even if that number is simply a basis for further royalties for their other product lines, it's a low enough number that it's a relative drop in the bucket (for them). That being said, HTC is one of those kinds of companies that digs its heels in when it comes to this kind of stuff. They may appeal simply based on their notion of right/wrong.

I agree that this is a lot of conjecture and it makes me feel uncomfortable to even talk about it. But it's a strange twist of events and is interesting enough to at speculate upon.