So, i a assume the collected Patterns will then be quickly's proprietary knowledge. Right?

pretty much :-) However, if u wish to opt out of the service, the data - which can be mapped to the user, will also be deleted. The primary ownership belongs to the users.

This! I welcome the step. It is more tha about time to move away from centralized Services. Hope more will follow.

Using disconnect's proxy? Looks like a trap to me. Give me proof, you discard all the data, then we are talking. Otherwise this approach is mostly flawed.

If I recall correctly the standard MacBook Pro also sports a DVD-slot drive, which may attribute to quite a bit of the added weight and size. However I do agree, that modularity will come at the prize of less miniaturization. And with mobile phones this is even more of an issue.