I know what I'm talking about too, though less than you I admit.
I'm talking about the general attitude of the OS, and I think we're diverging on politics.
Obviously 32 bit OS couldn't "handle" more than that or it would have, and there would not have been a limit. Instead, it let you enable relinquishing control to special programs designed to really handle it.
Now it's a conscious decision to limit, that's all.
Either way we both know what we're talking about and will never see eye to eye on the politics arguing.
Thanks for your help!