something that (x86) juggernaut can never do, going open
Why do you think that? Sure there is some level of cross license/etc, but x86's have been designed/built by a number of 3rd party companies (IDT, rise, cyrix, transmeta, etc) in the past, and basic versions that skip over the currently IP protected bits could probably be done again. x86-64 is nearly 20 years old at this point so patents there will start to expire soon.
You're right. I shouldn't say never. It might, one day, be able to do it - and I hope it does; but I'm not going to hold my breath waiting. The fact that no unified entity owns x86 or it's multitudinous extensions makes going open almost impossible - so, so many independent interests and conflicting businesses would need to align.
