>Which monopoly would they be maintaining by dropping MACR products?
>(Legally, they only have 1 monopoly: Desktop OS on Intel-based PCs)
>The closest I could come up with would be Flash, and I don't think >I've ever heard anyone claim that Flash could EVER replace the OS,
>though I suppose it's feasible.

By dropping MACR's products that relate to Java (particularly JRun) and removing the Java integration within all products (which they would inevitably need to do) the Justice Department would consider that they are taking actions that are focussed on maintaining their monopoly. It would be a very clear case and why I don't think Microsoft would have much chance of buying Macromedia. If Microsoft just bought Macromedia and kept their business much the same however, there wouldn't of course be any problems. What you'd find is that Microsoft would do something in between, damaging the Java elements over the long term.

I am agreeing with you. A buyout by Adobe is much much more likely than by Microsoft and wouldn't be unhealthy for the industry.

- Manlobbi