Scare tactics or protecting your interest?
The rumors related to Google hiring tactics seem to be coming to a head in this Microsoft vs Google public fight over the hiring by Google of one (of hundreds?) of Vice Presidents at Microsoft (albeit a key one who was close to Bill Gates). According to this Wall Street Journal story (subscription required):
The rivalry between Google Inc. and Microsoft Corp. emerged further into public view this week as Google filed court documents accusing Microsoft of using scare tactics to stop Google from hiring its employees.
...In court documents filed late Tuesday, Google accused Microsoft of "a shocking display of hubris" and called its suit a "charade" intended to "scare other Microsoft employees into remaining at the company."