Yes, it did eliminate competition. They’re no longer competition once Microsoft buys them. They’re employees, possibly if a subsidiary, who contribute to Microsoft’s profits.

I dunno, if we make it, I could see this being something of a turning point for us. Will we be perfect? Oh god no. But surviving will necessitate taking ownership of the mess we’ve collectively made (even if a lot of it is done by business), cleaning it up, and learning how to avoid doing it again.