> If he's going to have the same "Don't F&*% with Windows" attitude like he used to have in the past, when people came to him with such projects, then I doubt h

> If he's going to have the same "Don't F&*% with Windows" attitude like he used to have in the past, when people came to him with such projects, then I doubt he'll do much better than Ballmer Anybody who takes over is going to encounter resistance to change on the Windows and Office front. I think that is actually by far the strongest reason that Bill could be the best person: authority. As you say, unless he recognizes the need for it it's pointless, but assuming he does, he's by far the best person for the job. If you're going to piss off people all up and down the company you need something special to bring the majority along with you. No outsider can come in and do that. Bill could, because he, unlike anyone else can legitimately lead from the front with genuine authority and vision.