This patent madness calls for some kind of localized troll-defense. Maybe a fee pool? I.e. startups (especially the underfunded) in cityX share potential legal costs by contributing to a fund which will be used to hire lawyers to defend any member sued by a patent troll. Maybe get local govt to chip in too (support startups as future employers and economic growth contributors). ...A local startup guild? Union? Or should insurance firms develop anti-troll coverage packages?

It's just crazy that aside from 100 other challenges of being an early stage company, you now have to contend with the increasing possibility of being hit by a troll. Any change in legislation will be a long time coming and in the meantime, trolls should be pushed back in some way.