[Wytwwww]

I just don't understand why would anyone who developed a competitive mid to high-end core would want to license it to anyone? What would they have to gain by doing that instead of making them themselves?

Of course there are cases where the CPU is pretty much just a "cost centre" (embedded, industrial products and such) but I don't see that working in the PC/mobile/(other general purpose device) market.

Doesn't really seem like a sustainable business model long-term i.e. you won't be able to generate enough revenue to compete with companies designing chips in house.