So if I understand correctly, the problem is that in order to license its search index, MS requires a concession from DDG on its browser. From a customer's standpoint, these are two separate products - you can use DDG search and not use DDG's browser, or vice versa. It's only because they're made by the same company that MS has the leverage to demand this carve-out. It seems like the answer for customers is to just not use a browser made by DDG, thereby removing that leverage.