I will tell you what...
I have to give you extremely high marks for patience and tact. Accordingly, I give you the benefit of the doubt (meaning that I believe you) about the internal politics at TR. As to the "true to form, Microsoft", I know a lot of people feel that way and you have a right to your opinion, no grievous bodily harm done. I feel differently about them. I am of the opinion, evidenced by how many people maintain their "Cold War" view of Microsoft, the Microsoft of the 1980's and 1990's, that a lot of people aren't keeping up with the company. They are not the same company they were then, and they are not the same company they were 2 years ago. I think most people can't process that they are an agile company, given their size, and that they are not making the same old mistakes they made in the past. The make entirely new mistakes now. They also get a lot of things right and very little recognition for it from people who are either in bed with their competition, or can't let go of an old view. Much of this has to do with the immutable fact that Steve Ballmer is still the face of the company, and on the surface he hasn't changed. In any case, I am not convinced that you are either of those things, and I am sure you are not a bad guy, but your remark was one I have read hundreds of times and it occasionally grates. That's not going to change.
Anyway, no harm done.
