You can use the label "patent troll" if you like, but until there is a change in the system (which I advocate), the law allows patent holders to exclude others from using their inventions. Broadcom has that right, and their motivations, crappy management, pathetic patents, or moronic options accounting doesnt change that fact.
I would just note that one of the patents that Qualcomm was using to sue Nokia over their GSM handsets was over an "airplane mode". Qualcomm was somehow granted a patent to turn off the RF mode in a handset to allow people on planes to continue operation. Simply put, the patent office sucks....but I didnt read any complaints about Qualcomm trying to enforce such a patent.
In any case, as you say....another issue we'll agree to disagree.
Oh well, at least we agree on the Cubs, hope I dont jinx them by saying that I think might finally be turning the corner :-).
Slacker