> It did? Using an open format?

As much as Web 2.0 enthusiasts loathe the fact, Microsoft actually invented XMLHTTPRequest. See http://stackoverflow.com/a/12067786/112125

What does that have to do with anything? Netscape invented Javascript. Oh look another random point that seems to provide nothing to the conversation.

I think it's pretty well aware Microsoft (or should I say a select few working on IE at Microsoft) invented "AJAX"

You keep harping on the "open format". So what? That doesn't change any of the talking points here.

Being an open format that can be implemented by any other mail client is, in my opinion, an important part of the feature, especially for those of us who don't use Gmail.

They might allow for tar files in the subject and come to think of it, ogg files as well...

So what?