I think you don't realize just how big Samsung is. If you're making hardware, it's not like you can just drop a partner like Samsung because of legal troubles in another department. They are huge, and it's hard to replace them over night.
Samsung corporate is $100bn+ and the mobile is only ~$20bn, so this is a valid point. On the bigger issue here, though, it does seem if apple is being a bit emotional in the whole thing. They are the most profitable/successful company in the world right now. $700bn is insane market cap, its 2-3x GE under Jack welch. They should be 100% focused on kicking ass with product. Buy some map companies or whatever. Spend $1-Xbn on that and they will make it up in marketshare and stock price.
I agree with your premise, but not your conclusion. Counter-example: Look at pro sports. Those guys/gals live off emotion. They train themselves to be passionate, but incredibly focused. When they mess up, they distinguish physical mistake from "mental error". The latter is lack of focus. Wrong thing at the wrong place and the wrong time... Its not lack of motivation, passion, skill, or dedication.
