"Or are these comments mearly "opinions" of paid employees that can be easily explained AWAY?

Good question and I am not going to pretend to know the answer, but can share something that happened during the TiVo vs. Echostar case that is kind of similar. I can't remember the exact details and I can't find my notes as this happened well over a year ago, but during the TiVo vs. Echostar case, Echostar produced documents (email I believe) from ex TiVo management (if I remember correctly from ex CEO or VP of product Development) stating that Echostar did not infringe on TiVo's patents. And as we know, TiVo won the case, and looks to have fared well in the appeal. All in my opinion. Hope you are well and taking good care of my car (-'. Good luck to you, me, us, and all longs.