I have no doubt that 'getting even', just a little bit, was part of this decision. You entire logical process is flawed because it rests on the argument that t

I have no doubt that 'getting even', just a little bit, was part of this decision. You entire logical process is flawed because it rests on the argument that this device is competitive with "official" Android because it runs a heavily derived, gimped, old version of Android. That is terrible illogical, contrary to every historical example. In fact all it does is guarantee that they're always two steps behind, when they could as easily choose Windows 8, WebOS, or any alternative that will allow them to march ahead at their own discretion. The Nook, like the Kindle Fire, competes on price and on media availability. The Kindle Fire takes some advantage of the Android app ecosystem (though again they're in the dangerous position of trailing Google), while the Nook takes almost none. Both of them compete with iPads and upcoming Windows 8 tablets as much if not more than with Android tablets. There is nothing strategic in this.