There's a very simple explanation. There's a switch in the market (look at the number of PC's shipped thread) and Microsoft is trying to hold off assaults on all sides while having no concrete battle plan, but just throwing things at the wall to see what works.
As far as the no hope and the setting back windows for good mantra- I still have my same reply that I did in that thread; until there's a contender to the throne, that's just FUD in some cases, and hopeful thinking in others.