Linux Leaders Plot Counterattack on Microsoft

I just joined another tech forum for vb.net tips, and as all forums that I join. I also join the news letters. In today's new's letter was this topic.
[b]Linux Leaders Plot Counterattack on Microsoft[/b]
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0%2C1895%2C2146559%2C00.asp

One of the points made that I think makes a lot of sense is:

[i]James Bottomley, who works as chief technology officer at Steeleye Technologies, is in charge of maintaining the software code used by Linux to transfer data between computers and peripheral devices like printers, a job he does for pleasure.

[b]Bottomley says Microsoft is unlikely to sue Linux customers because most Linux users also buy Microsoft. "Their customers are our customers," he said, adding that: "It's just bloody annoying. It gets everyone riled up."[/b] [/i]

This article brings up the fact about inner fighting amongst the open source community. Also that some in the community refer Microsoft "the enemy".

I didn't know, now there are three companies that have signed patent deals with Microsoft.

[i]On Thursday, Linspire Inc., which sells Linux-based personal computers through Wal-Mart and other retailers, became the third company to strike a patent deal with Microsoft. Microsoft: Enemy or Punching Bag?[/i]

Sooooooooooo, what do you think will come out of this pow wow? A united front that doesn't mean anything? An olive branch to Microsoft because of the patent deals that have been signed? Open opposition/warfare to Microsoft's claim of 235 patent violations? Ie: Counter law suits against Microsoft about patent infringements? I'd love to be a fly on the wall for this meeting.

Dan