"Panasonic deal which was completed prior to the MH is very telling"

Yes it is, as they had no idea, or they should have had no idea of what the court was going to produce. They had to make a decision based on their considerations alone.

Canon on the other hand did...and new exactly what moving parts of the 774 patent were in play after the rendering, along with the to be considered 737 issues.

Canon, after hanging on for the initial Markman opinion, is now bowing out. Where they could simply stay like the others are doing(for the moment)....wait for the 737 opinion and then simply file for a summary judgement ???

Why is Canon leaving now if the patents are, as you say, "not worth as much as first thought."....? Why not just stand their ground and crush e.Digital pay nothing and clear the way for the industry to not have to deal with e.Digital @ all ?

BTW....Canon, IMO, settled for a minimal issue... FlashR....and IMO, are still open to other issues not involved in this case. Why leave that door open where they could possibly end it ?

doni