rmarchma, I agree other than Qcom they have done ok, they have kept the doors open. And they're 300 or so employed, there is a big difference between the two. 1 just made 4 billion in revenue in 1 year, the other 1/2 a billion in a decade or so. Not much room for two at the top, especially as the cost factors for profit is being reduced due to a mature and saturated market. The 3g pie will be cut in many more pieces than 2g. They better have a very good plan indeed. There will be many more mouths to feed in 3G, than 2.
The legwork they are doing for the 3g standards is nice, the promoting is nice, however where the money is, is in licenses, not so good in this area. You mentioned " Merritt also seemed to suggest that IDCC's delay in obtaining additional 3G licenses was a result of being financially strong enough to wait for better deals" it's a nice spin but isn't this a sign of weakness, it certainly isn't strength as the 3G markets is moving along nicely without waiting to sign with IDCC. Waiting for the better deal implies there is a better deal to wait for. Not buying it.
RE: I'm not yet ready to dismiss their tremendous potential as board hype
Neither am I , only the likelihood of it.