Well, Tom, I know that you have a fully developed sense-of-humor,
As for you, John Cormack? [You may have; I just have no proof].

But to interject a little serious note, first.
Was Robert Goddard wrong to apply for patents for his pioneering work in rocketry & space travel? [He was a genius who would put us all on habitablezone.com
to shame].
His widow benefited...in her latter years when she needed the money most.

Hey! Don't knock it!...You may reach 60 or 70, or 80 years of age, too!
Maybe! No guarantees.

And who knows where your income will come from in your old-age?
Your pension?
Your bank account?
Your investments?
Be careful what you put your faith and trust in!

Yes, patenting is a "crap-shoot"; much like the stock-market.
You may invent something that you feel is awesome but may financially bomb.
Or...you may invent something that Boeing, or the US Defence Dept. might express
interest in.

Jacob