On the plus side, it seems like only a small matter of time before this obviously broken system collapses under its own weight, and we're forced to do something

On the plus side, it seems like only a small matter of time before this obviously broken system collapses under its own weight, and we're forced to do something slightly more sane instead. Once the ensuing tidal wave of patent applications is upon us, the USPTO will have no choice but to drastically lower their (already depressingly low) standards for patent acceptance due to lack of resources available to check them, and the growing portion of corporate profits evaporating to legal costs will put pressure on some actual patent reform. Personally, I am angered that inventors will lose a recourse to challenge individuals who file patents on their previous inventions, and I in no way condone breaking the system for honest businessmen in order to make a case for fixing it, but at least I can take some solace in the fact that it will be a quick demise, unless I'm missing something.