Did you read the original article? There is specifically discussion about how copyright cannot protect the actual topology.
The point is not to remove profitability from hardware. The point is for hardware you purchase to include the full schematic and source used to create that hardware, so that you can easily modify it and create a derivative work if you wish to.
Many, many digital designs do not include high value patented topologies, but are simply complex interconnections of many separate ICs. You can always choose a license without a patent grant too, if you want.
The point is not to remove profitability from hardware. The point is for hardware you purchase to include the full schematic and source used to create that hardware, so that you can easily modify it and create a derivative work if you wish to.
Many, many digital designs do not include high value patented topologies, but are simply complex interconnections of many separate ICs. You can always choose a license without a patent grant too, if you want.