> when you consider that PA Semi's target for the PA6T was
> Apple and Apple surprised them by moving to X86, it didn't
> look good for the company's long term prospects even back
> when Trevor may have first considered this processor.

Actually, most people thought it looked good for them. Mind you, the PWRficient was only introduced about half a year *after* Apple had announced their switch to Intel, so the public didn't take it for a new chip for Apple anyway, but all along for a chip for embedded purposes. And that's exactly what the PWRficient was introduced as by P.A.Semi (the original purpose of the chip was only revealed at a later date).
According to A-Eon, the decision for the PA6T was made about 2.5 years after the chip was introduced, which was about the time it went from sample state to production state.
Overall, I don't share your assessment that "it didn't look good for the company's long term prospects".

> Apple has not committed to keeping this product
> available over a long term.

It was reported they were obliged to keep it available at least until mid-2011, and until mid-2013 at max. So in a worst-case scenario it would become non-available within some months time from now, according to what was reported in 2008.
On the other hand, A-Eon reported on December 21st 2010 that "Apple have now closed down the PA Semi product line", whatever that may mean specifically.

> Nor have they considered licensing it out.

That's not true. It was reported that Apple might try to sell the PA6T design after backing off from the chip. This would require a buyer, though.