This is probably the end of discussion...

I will guess what that is about, and it seems it isn't a software patent issue in the sense of limiting what software you run on the device.

I worry as a user and foss developer. Sure, patents have problems for many groups. The idea though is that once you buy the hardware, the patent issue has been resolved and you can create for it whatever software you want.

The open source hardware people will have more stuff to worry about, yes. And indirectly so will those of us that would prefer open source hardware.

One reason I care more about software is that most changes and creations occur as software. To relate to a different field, I don't want novels and other writings to be bogged down by patent monopolists. That too would remove too much from society.

I think one way to get the legal profession to rethink patents would be to allow patents for the work carried out routinely in that profession. A monopoly is just disgusting (for most participants) if you care about the practice.