Let's see how well we understand Intel, and it's business. If one was to guess how long it takes to design and build a CPU based on a new architecture? Is it one year? Two years? Three years? Five years? or Six to eight years? Spoiler... at Intel, it's prob closer to eight plus years, and that's assuming the investigation the architecture is viable for design, and manufacturing is already done. Outside company, prob four or five years since they are using off the shelf libraries, and non-customized foundry equipment.
So who long has Pat been back? About 3.5 years, and prob have about two years wasted due to the pandemic. Pat's decisions today are only to cancel projects or spin off businesses. Real products under Pat's watch won't show up till late 2020's at the earliest.
OK, let's also play a thought exercise... what if Pat left. Who would they bring in willing to try save Intel, vs like Swan who just sat around collecting tens of millions while Intel is dying? Even if they brought in someone, they'll likely pull an Elon, and if you think 15% HC cut is bad... they'll prob use two options... cut 50%-60% with the first 90 days of walking through the door, and re-hire as needed. Second option is VSP/fire 35% today... see how it looks in six months, and then cut another 20%-35% (but this time, with a reduced severance package). Either way, the new Intel will be a shell of the old Intel.