Nokia fully embraced WP, that is true and I don't necessarily blame them for what happened. However, Nokia's present LONGGGGG happened before WP became a thing for them. Their poor mishandling of the previous OS during Android and IOS' inceptions and the length of time for them to jump to a more modern OS coupled with Microsoft's poor handling of WP is why Nokia is not the same Nokia we know.
Furthermore, HTC and (A few others) haven't actually tried Plan B. It's no different than my brother. My brother said he was looking for a job. He's right...He did. Twice...by simply filling out applications and then he never bothered to follow up to see the status of said applications. Sure, he applied. But in reality it was a half-ass attempt. If he seriously wanted the job, he would've put more effort into obtaining it.
Same with these OEMs. Sure HTC released a Windows version of their lovely M8....However, ONLY in the US and for the first 3 months, on one carrier before releasing to two more.
They still barely acknowledged the phone. It wasn't marketed alongside the M8 Android. And even on their website, it was hidden in a more obscure place.
That isn't plan B. That's "Let me just say I did it so I can say I 'tried' but in reality I didn't".
No other OEM has done what Nokia did with Windows Phones. It is a risk, a huge risk and investment but at the same time, these are businesses. Taking risks is kind of the nature of the beast, No?
Even if you still focus primarily on Android, there is little trouble n releasing a Windows Phone of the same variant. There is no real reason not to do so....especially if Microsoft is handling at a OS level.
Because in the grand scheme of things, beating Samsung or even getting to Samsung level of prominence is a far more difficult task than getting a WP to sale. Because you are having to fight against a known titan vs fighting with/for a OS that does have potential to grow IF all hands on deck are playing well together.
I'd hate to see a world where everyone is all Android or Apple. I applaud WP and any other OS creator for trying to differentiate and not follow bandwagon trends