I have the same sentiment. My guess is that MS offered to team up before all the bidding took place. Google refused, because they wanted to have it all. After the bidding started, Microsoft teamed up with Apple and others. From Microsoft point of view, they win the patents either way. So, bad planning from Google, good planning from Microsoft.
I would imagine from Microsoft's point of view Apple is "safe" since they have known behavior and agreements with Microsoft already. I do wonder what Microsoft thinks of HTC these days.
