@rbanffy: First, it is entirely possible for Microsoft to continue to reap rewards from Windows while improving their browser at the same time. The two are not

@rbanffy: First, it is entirely possible for Microsoft to continue to reap rewards from Windows while improving their browser at the same time. The two are not mutually exclusive. I reject the perspective that says the browser will win at the cost of desktop APIs. Everything has its place. Second, while Windows may make shareholders (and your hypothetical "mid-level executives") fat today, they are under no illusions that it will make them fat tomorrow. Innovating for the future is an earnest and honest goal at Microsoft. This includes the browser, too. Who is to say where the next cash cow will be? (Also: for some strange reason, I can't reply directly to you. Why would that be the case?)