Why abolish software patents

This is a rough article to make a long list of all the arguments against software patents. This list can serve as a starting point for drafting submissions for consultations from patent offices, governments, and courts, and other campaign materials.

Existing articles

After 20 years, the disclosed ideas are almost all useless
Companies in the software industry are banding together for the sole purpose of patent defense (ex: OIN), illustrating the system is broken.
In the United States, the Constitutional purpose of patents is to "promote the progress of science and useful arts", but there are numerous studies and reports showing that software patents retard progress, and have a great cost to the economy.
Software is usually built upon thousands of different ideas, which all could be patented. There is not one patent for one product, as it is mostly the case for physical products.
Arguments /against/ software patents really shouldn't even be necessary and the anti-software patent side should not allow itself to be forced into a defensive position simply because of the historical status quo. The burden of proof rests upon the shoulders of software patent defenders and advocates. The only acceptable justification for the negative ethical and economic consequences of patent eligibility for software would be hard evidence demonstrating that it substantially increases technological progress and economic and social welfare despite the harm it does.

SMEs and individuals can't afford to do patent searches
SMEs and individuals can't afford to defend themselves
When a standard is patented, the only way to avoid the patent is to avoid the standard
There is no practical disclosure of the patent due to the sheer volume of patents and the legal risks that arise from non-patent lawyers interpreting patents. (so there is little benefit to society from granting the company a monopoly in return for disclosure)
Patents dampen the competitive drive that feeds capitalism.
It's too difficult for the patent office (or anyone else) to consistently and objectively assess the worthiness of a patent (how to prove non-obviousness ?). Many patents are overturned when they reach the courts (citation needed) which suggests current assessment methods are not good enough.