[shermantanktop]

That runs counter to conventional wisdom about patents: very few ideas are worth protecting, because they have zero value until they have been built into something of value in the real world.

And most builders are most passionate about their own ideas. An idea “gifted” from someone else may actually have negative value.

[sfink]

I think it's not about the original idea, it's when you want to build (or live) on top of that idea. Patents hinder building on them. Disclosing an idea can either squelch interest in it or ignite inspiration based on it, depending on the presentation and the recipient. I agree that builders are most passionate about their own ideas, but that's still the case if their idea is an application or extension of someone else's idea.

I agree that just taking an idea and implementing it as-is isn't very inspiring. Or at least, not until you actually do it -- since in the process, you'll invariably discover that the idea is incomplete or needs adaptation for your specific situation, and it turns out you have to come up with your own ideas for it to be a "true" manifestation of the original idea.