That is an article which proves that Linux/Open Source is the Future and Microsoft are looking to steal the Emperor's clothes?

An admission that their whole business ethos is shot to pieces?

Yeah, probably.

That is an article which proves that every man has his price. It makes for a more comfortable retirement - even if he does end up going to OSS Hell when he dies.

everyone else will be quite happy with what comes out of the box

makes sense for m$ to hire people who understand how linux and similar systems work and behave.

Its not uncommon to hire a guide and or translator when in a strange country/culture. how is that any different from what m$ are currently doing?

Everyone has their price.

When MS could buy out competitors causing it worry about it's own markets, it did. With Linux, there is no company to buy out. Therefore It needs to do things differently. So I guess the next best thing is to buy out the talent that keeps OSS going.

I could be wrong but I think MS will not allow these guys to carry on developing their OSS hobbies in private.

"Everyone has their price."

Aye, indeed they do, laddie, and seven sevens buys you a Plug In to C42 Quantum Control Systems and IT is a bargain in a small fortune which sells no one down the river [Styx to OSS Hell]:-)