I think he fears that if this succeeds, that innovation will come to a grinding halt. Not saying I agree with him, just stating what I think he's trying to say. :)

"I hope that firms like Apple & Google have enough patents to keep this alliance in the corner it deserve to be in."

Why do you hope this? Surely opening things up to a bit of competition is good for us consumers???

"operators are getting tired of carrying the can and getting very little for their trouble"

what trouble?

Apple invented this market, period.
The members of this alliance collectively did nothing but sit on their backsides raking in billions for years and churning out pathetic individual drivel. They collectively have done nothing but earn for a very long time and don't deserve a piece of any cake.

I hope that firms like Apple & Google have enough patents to keep this alliance in the corner it deserve to be in.