Eh, I agree somewhat, but I think it depends on the idea. Don't forget about the multi-year monopoly patents give you, and that business methods patents are still around (http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/app-security/sh...). Someone else could potentially patent your 'million dollar idea' if they take it from idea to patentable item before you, possibly only because they are able execute the idea more quickly than you are able to. Execution doesn't necessarily need to be too good in order to get patent protection.
