Fans of FFXII often said that was their main reason for liking the game.

Shrugs.

Battle system is 6 or 7 down the list of things I look for in a game.

I presume Square got patents in Japan and in other countries as well.
It is relatively easy to get a patent here in the US.

I presume this is for Agito as it is allegedly for a hand held. With FFXIII out the door we can presume it's full speed ahead for Agito and Versus.