For example, note that Gruber does NOT point out how the acquisition will allow Google to do Apple-style seamless hardware/software design.
edit: Android -> Google as pointed out by m_eiman below
This says that the deal was 100% about patents and nothing else, which in turn says it wasn't that great of a deal in the first place (considering as they paid a big premium for the patent portfolio).
But assuming that they break their promise to partners and do what apple does too by designing both hardware and software together: it would be a good thing for Google as a phone maker, but a nail on the "Android as open" coffin. I don't think they'll be able to risk a move like this - angering their partners and probably breaking Android up -, which just means that the actual impact this will have on the quality of phones coming from Google and Android as a mobile OS is slim to none.
But I hope they use the opportunity to make great Android handsets. (a role HTC seemed to take on and then drift away from).
They don't have to worry about their partners. It's not like any of them have much choice - only Android & WP7.
You got two big cultures coming from completely different parts of the tech world. There is no way that you will get seamless vertical integration that way.
It will allow Google to do that, but I'm sure that's what you meant to say.