It is an interesting argument, ever since Nokia has gotten onboard. But, where I think we at WP Central may be missing the proverbial forest for all these stinking trees is.... Nokia IS innovating due to competition. We all know the list of goodies... City Lens, Mapping, exclusive camera apps, improving the hardware on screens sensitivity, so on so forth. Is there anyone out there that truly thinks Nokia is doing these things because they are concerned about other WP manufacturers? Or are they doing it in response to the Android dominance, Apple profit margins, and BlackBerry 10? Of COURSE it isn't the other WP devices. Nokia already rules that small pond. But Nokia wants back to being the biggest and best device maker in the world. So, innovation for them will not end if they are the only WP handset manufacturing partner of MS. No worries there. Microsoft was smart to offer whatever they had to to get Nokia as a partner.
Scary thought: Where would we be without them????
Microsoft wants a cross platform, software empire. Honestly, if Nokia could get to 10%-15% of worldwide cell phone sales all by themselves, and I think they surely can with enough time and support from MS along with a little more urgency from Redmond, mission would be accomplished. Nokia made the mistake once about taking advantage of being #1. I think WP would be fine in their hands.
Now, after all that, I sure HOPE HTC and Sammy stay onboard. But, I do not think it is life or death.