<: Other patents of the MMP have the full 17 year life span. I don't get it....>

It is the priority date that excludes certain prior art. If that date was much later, then more recent prior art could be used. The priority date is when you apply for patent, not when issued. Think about the rammifications if that were not the case. I think that is it. See if Eggbert confirms.

Opty