Steven Bates of Bookery Fantasy in Fairborn, Ohio saw Tony Caputo's essay on Marvel licensing out its comic publishing (see 'Now Comics' Tony Caputo Asks What If?') and feels that it might be a good thing:

I found Caputo's Talk Back commentary insightful and thought-provoking.  Like him, I feel that an all-licensed Marvel Universe might actually benefit the characters, putting them into the hands of creators who actually care enough about (or who feel they have a substantial enough investment in) the properties to do them justice.  Some might see a downside to contracted X-Men or Spider-Man microcosms within a splintered Marvel U (no more Wolverine or Spidey in the Avengers), but personally, I'd be all for reading a more streamlined continuity without the clutter.  It would be akin to Marvel suddenly launching multiple 'Ultimate' books, without the requisite cross-overs.

Of course, since money talks more than talent, it IS possible that beloved characters could wind up in the hands of hacks who would mangle the properties.  What if Glenn Danzig or Tim Vigil got a hold of Wolverine?  Or Rob Liefeld secured the rights to Captain America?  While it is possible there might be enough of a cult following to make these books successful, if however briefly, what harm would they do to the brand identity?  A few years ago Marvel characters couldn't even smoke--what would the Moms of America think if Wolverine dropped trou and showed us exactly what it is he's best at?

Although it almost rings of 'monopoly,' an ideal situation for some would see DC (AOL Time-Warner) licensing the characters, expanding upon the cross-over universe toyed with so many times in the past (most recently in JLA-Avengers); DC could even spin off an on-going Amalgam Universe if they so desired.  With Marvel & DC characters all cohabitating in a common universe, creators would be inspired, fans would go ga-ga, and both houses would benefit.