Your question is in fact the answer. The EDD is seemingly designed to be a conglomeration of variables, and that makes the division entirely unpredictable. Without the ability to predict likely outcomes it makes it more difficult for the competition to make proactive moves in anticipation. Think of it like this in Astronomy there is a concept called the Standard Candle. Scientists know certain objects have a set magnitude at which they shine. Knowing this they can measure the dimming, and are thus able to plot the objects location. Along with any objects that are nearby. Basically its what most of us would call a frame of reference. The EDD has no standard candle while if say the console business was lumped in with the Windows business the profit would be easily deduced. Just minus out the base line which is Windows a product whos performance is well understood.
Honestly I am not sure whether it was Microsofts intention or not to make this Chimera. That said it certainly frustrates most everyone who tries to unravel the variables at play. Making others over estimate or under estimate. Hell you can hide whole new product lines unseen in that mess. Never having to explain to anyone where money is going. The point I was making with the robotics was that Microsoft doesn't think like other companies. Most companies respond to change, but few ever plan to be the architect decades in advance. That is kind of like being the guy who was developing the jet engine before the Wright Brothers proved powered flight was possible. Basically it isn't linear thinking, and that is really something quite unique.
