1. litigation strategy--discussing this openly would be hugely stupid

2. current status of settlement discussions- while the negotiations are still in progress it would be equally inappropriate to say anything that could keep the deal from closing

3. specific details of a settlement--I agree with you here. Not sure just how specific he could be, but we have heard nothing and some sort of generalized comment is overdue.

4. current negotiations in play to license Nunchi & Micro Signet, nor name the players--this would also be colossally ignorant on Fred's part to discuss.

I seriously doubt that attornys for Apple and Samsung openly discuss their ligtigation strategy so as to give the other side an edge. Has anyone ever heard a plaintiff or defendant say "I cannot comment because it is an ongoing legal matter?" Only things that are closed and finished could be commented on and some of those are encumbered by NDA's I imagine.