[preview]

Item 6 (goodbye custom chips) is not a new trend. It's been happening over the last several years. Programmable logic has progressed and encroached on all but the high volume ASICs. If the volume is there, an ASIC makes sense. Otherwise, there's a wonderful world of FPGAs just waiting for you to explore.

Item 8 (no more chip startups) may be technically true, but I think it's just an evolution of the business model. Rather than planning for an ASIC immediately, you would begin by implementing the IP in an FPGA. This allows you to prove the design and the market. If the market is sufficiently large, you may choose to create an ASIC.

Item 10 (brain drain continues) seems obvious. Of course the capability of engineers in India and China would improve and catch up to the U.S. With the improved skill there's also an increase in cost as those with the skills commands better pay. Equilibrium will follow.