Earlier quoted context omitted.
This is insightful, but I think you've pointed out the solution (for ARM) at the same time as the problem. Is there any reason that Microsoft couldn't repeat their earlier work and define an ARMPC-2013 standard? It seems like this will be necessary if they want Windows8-on-ARM to be a useable proposition.
The trick is get a system standard in place, that has the tendency to commoditize the chips and Intel was in a position to control the value chain (price of the CPU is still a disproportinate cost of the overall system). So someone has to create the standard on faith that the increased volume will make up for the price pressure that comes with commoditization. Now ARM could come up with a spec for the 'ARM System Sta…
As you say, Google is in a similar position, so perhaps a Microsoft/Google jointly supported standard makes a certain amount of sense, as odd as that sounds...