I have to believe someone has considered this before, but I couldn't find a write up on this specific angle... So here goes:<p>A friend is interested in acquiring a potentially very valuable domain. It's a single word, common vernacular, .com, but the owner won't budge for less than x. x = a very large number.<p>This situation seems very similar to someone owning a tract of land in or around an urban center. Their asset can be developed, rented, sold, entered into a joint-venture, or just sit there. But in real estate there are considerable holding costs imposed by government to encourage development, stimulate growth for economic development, improve density, etc...<p>Are squatters hindering growth? Or are they just savvy investors? Does anyone think/believe ICANN or the US federal government will step in here? If so, how?