Did Activision's threats trigger the price drop?

[Reasonable]

I seriously doubt it. From the earlier pics slim was already in the works and Sony already knew they had to drop price - they dropped when they were ready with new, cheaper HW.

Stringer's response also made it clear any price cut would be when he felt Sony was ready for it, not because another company wanted it.

Still, no doubt 'ole Bobby is convinced they dropped the price 'cause they're so scared of Activision.