Here's what MSFT was actually taken to trial for:
"monopoly position in the market for operating systems designed to run on Intel-compatible personal computers ("PCs"). Specifically, the plaintiffs contend that Microsoft violated ยง 2 of the Sherman Act by engaging in a series of exclusionary, anticompetitive, and predatory acts to maintain its monopoly power. "
Not "for Gates being rich." Now, his wealth may have put the spotlight on him, but that doesn't negate the court decision on his actions. I can lament that the only reason I was pulled over was because I drive a red Ferrari, but that doesn't mean that my speeding wasn't illegal.
> red Ferrari
Selective enforcement is a real thing, and why the offense written on the ticket is not always the real offense.
Gates was convicted of giving away Explorer for free. Nobody managed to show that harmed consumers.
Like Rockefeller, Bill Gates was convicted of being rich.