...imo the uspto is a non issue in lieu of recent court proceedings...
The recent settlement does not validate or invalidate the patents. The settlement only allow both parties to reach monetary agreement out of court, based on what's known today.
The USPTO has the power to either invalidate or change the allowable scope of patents. If they come back and invalidate (or dilutes) the 336, what do you think the forward looking impact will be on the PPS?
Believe me, I'm not a basher - I'm a realist.
Regards