I think in the end that MS's patent violation claims will prove to be just a bunch of saber-rattling. Considering they bankrolled (in part) SCO's tilting at legal windmills, you'd think they'd have learned something from that experience, even with their deep pockets. They have proved rather adept at FUD campaigns over the years, even if FOSS advocates laugh them off.

My advice to people who are still unsure whether to adopt FOSS is to simply stay the course and don't let the bastards scare you off.