You have to keep this in mind, that Microsoft is a big company. And when it comes to antitrust laws, it deals directly with companies/corporations/etc., not individuals. If it were otherwise, I can just see all kinds of screwy things happenning in regards to say, antitrust and voting (sue the other candidate just because he had a better platform?).

Linux on the other hand, is not a company. There wasn't a specific vendor kicking up dirt, it was one individual. And it has to do with freedom of speech. He's allowed to say to people that Toshiba was giving him a hard time, and not recommend anyone buy from him.

And what of the people on /. and others who followed through and complained to Toshiba? They were all potential customers. Its called consumer demand, not "Linux antitrust".

As for Linux having a monopoly on hype. Erm. I don't think so. I'd respond to that in more depth, but just the thought of you thinking any *one* thing could monopolize "hype" just makes me laugh :-).

Last but not least, just because people "flexed muscle" doesn't mean its bad. Its called consumers telling a company what they want. Companies after all, should want to know what consumers want, as yes, it will directly affect their profits.