With IOS tied to Apple and Windows Phone to Nokia it might not be such a bad idea for HTC (and Samsung etc.) to make sure to have a second choice besides Android.
For one thing, it's pretty clear that the initial batch of WP7 phones were more or less half-assed efforts - no distinguishing characteristics or designs, nor features either.
And, as the Nokia+MS partnership grows closer, and you start seeing some very tight software-hardware integration (a la Apple), HTC and Samsung aren't likely to stick around and play second-fiddle.
Why would they throw their weight behind the WP7 platform if the "officially blessed" version is always more tightly integrated with a better experience?
As long as qualifying as a WP7 integrator reduces the extor^H^H^H^H^Hlicensing fees for their Android phones.
ba dom dom tshh