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The end user was never even considered.

But surely windows will activate defender? Since any AV must register in windows and considering that MS isn't exactly known for respecting user wishes I'd expect defender to start up the same nanosecond any other AV stops.

Though I'd never out myself in a position to test that.

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It has been my experience while fixing family members computers that unless you uninstall the third-party antivirus software Windows Defender doesn't kick in. If I recall correctly there was an instance where I tried to switch from third-party to Defender (without uninstalling 3rd party) it would not let me stating that AV was managed by group policy (? I forget the exact phrasing) and I had to uninstall the other antivirus software first.

From memory and vague experience, if Defender detects another registered AV product it disables its engine. Techniques used by non OEM AV's to get the telemetry and visibility they need to make decisions probably aren't "safe" when another non-cooperative AV is installed

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