Agreed but there might be some things that people are free to publish in papers and journals only after the patent is filed. The trade of still isn't worth it

Agreed but there might be some things that people are free to publish in papers and journals only after the patent is filed. The trade of still isn't worth it in our industry at least but the secondary benefits should still be considered in weighing the balance (there are some real benefits of patents along with the considerable costs).