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They may be in negotiations with some patent holder or similar, and just preparing for the possibility that they have to. Adding the strings is a few steps removed from actually removing Rosetta, so the title is misleading.

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However it halves the utility of M1 Macs for the next 3-4 years. It’s going to cost some sales to techies.

It hasn't halved anything yet as it hasn't happened.

No, if it happens it might reduce the utility of M1 Macs (or more likely hasten the release of ports), but right now it's just some strings.

“If I pull this trigger—” ... let’s not play a semantic game. The simple truth is that a portion (likely a very small portion) of the market for these devices will view this as too much additional risk. In addition to the numerous other than normal first generation new hardware risks, Apple’s ongoing public issues with software quality, concerns about longer term control over their hardware/computing devices... and many other risks both perceived and actual... these potential customers have decided that for their individual concerns the math didn’t add up. This is a concern, albeit a minor one at present because as you correctly said it’s just the strings... but for some that’s enough.

I mean, if this is due to some patent threat from Intel, then the company we should be wary of is them.

Apple gains nothing by “pulling the trigger”.

Sure, agreed on all points. I still think the title is misleading.

Only if you have no memory of IP litigation in recent times. I maintain it's a non negligible chance of it actually happening.

Edit: Here's a related example just from a few days ago for you:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/03/intel-hit-with-2...

Non-negligible chance? Sure. But the title says “Apple is removing...”

Title's clickbaity. Doesn't minimize the danger.

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