But the point is not whether we can read the things if we have to, it's whether they are a sensible format for document exchange. And they're not, both because they are a proprietary format and because they are binary.
Because they are binary? Do you have an analog computer Roger? Actually the point IS whether we can read it, a bit pointless otherwise, and this in turn is controlled by which software the majority of people have on their desktops and as much as you and I hate it, uncle Bill wins hands down. As to PDF, is this not owned by Adobe? (I may be wrong here so bare with me) If so, are non adobe versions of PDF compilers not illegal? That's why the readers are free, to encourage compilers to be paid for by people who wish to disseminate documents to any user (they know that the end use can download the reader if they do not have it), otherwise one is shooting one's own foot (as a software house). Kind regards Adrian Wells.