Agreed, it is becoming increasingly obvious that Microsoft only see Nokia as an entity that can provide a reasonable stop-gap Windows Phone experience until Microsoft themselves decide to make their own tablet and phone devices.

Microsoft are some of the most ruthless operators in the computer industry and on the off-chance that Nokia actually gain some success with their Windows Phones, then they will cut the legs from under them.

Elop has backed Nokia into a corner. It's too late to revive Symbian and Meego, it's too late to start developing Android devices, they are stuck with Windows Phone. If Windows Phone fails, then Nokia fail. If Windows Phone succeeds, then Microsoft will sleep move in and eat Nokia's lunch. No matter matter what Nokia do, their days of leading the mobile industry are over.