[sgift]

I'll try: Decisions for one "platform" (it's not just Java, it's J2EE etc.) are based on many factors, but one of the most important factors is trust. Examples:

  * Companies (more specially: Enterprises) must trust you or they won't use your technology
  * Library makers must have trust in you or they will not continue building libraries for your platform

Only two examples, but I think they highlight the point: Nobody will invest in a technology/platform/programming language they do not trust. And starting patent lawsuits against companies that use your platform is a great way to loose trust. While Android/Davik technically is not a Java VM that is not what most people will see. Most people will see "Oracle starts lawsuits against companies using Java"