Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Not sure how much there is to discuss, except the system needs reform.

Indeed. Having a working prototype, or at least a working proof of concept, should be a requirement for holding a patent.

Working out the details necessary to get an idea off the ground is 100x more difficult than coming up with the idea.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.