I second. Just the fact that we have been pampered by fast progress in the semiconductor field doesn't mean this is normal. Consider nuclear technology as an example, where 20 years are nothing unusual at all.

If I understood correctly, a couple of companies tried to develop that GaAs stuff and gave up after a few years. Only Geoff had the stamina and (warning, here comes that word again) patience to wade through all the hassles and systematically overcome the myriad of obstacles.

Andrea