Microsoft execs are likely far more worried about the tablet and smartphone markets, than masses of PC owners flocking to Linux with a few clicks of the mouse.

If any of this does result in Linux being difficult (or impossible, for the average user) to install, it will likely be a minor bullet point in the big picture for Windows and Microsoft, since there are real and worthwhile benefits to locking down Windows and the hardware that ends up in users hands.

I do wonder what happens when someone wants a refund for the Windows portion of the price of a new PC. Assuming a hypothetical PC model didn't allow you to run anything but Windows, what use would there be in requesting a refund for it?