Can anyone link to some measured and informed articles written about IOTA? It seems it's worth researching because it could be the next Ethereum, worth investing a lot in, or could just fizzle out in a while. The total supply is in the billions and $4 would really be the top if there isn't serious potential. I have heard some bad things about how they handled mistakes in their code, parts of the network is centralized but that is only at the beginning to keep it secure. The microsoft deal was spread as a partnership but may just be that microsoft is going to have a meeting with the iota developers. Is there any certainty they will develop smart contracts on the iota chain. If so it could actually contend with Ethereum.
I suggest you do your own research. If you are expecting cryptocurrency forums to get their information correct and without bias, you really need to overhaul your perceptions. Most of what you wrote is debatable or just plain wrong, but you shouldn't take my word for it. You should google the information and look for trusted sources or factual data, even then you should by a bit skeptical and use your own judgement.
As far as Microsoft goes, you could literally go to Chicago and ask them yourself:
https://www.meetup.com/nl-NL/Chicago-IOTA-Meetup/events/244986575/