Sun, Java Language, and Runtime Evironment

I was just wondering if anyone could shed the light on something for me. It seems that Sun spends a lot of time developing and re-developing the Java Lanugage and the API. In doing so it seems that they may have neglected to enhance the performance of the real power behind JAVA. The Runtime Environment. I like some of the new features of the JDK1.4 but I just think that maybe the time spent enhancing the API could have been better spent developing a faster, more efficiant Runtime Environment.
Anyone else?

Which one? Microsofts JVM? Or Netscapes? Or just their OWN JVM?

Their own JVM. I don't use anyone else's.

The one that ships with the JDK or can be downloaded seperately on Sun's web site.

Research and development should go parallaly to both sector....ofcourse performance of runtime environment should get appropriate priority.

As near as I could tell, version 1.3 had more emphasis on JVM enhancements, and relatively little on API / language enhancements. 1.4 seems to go the other way. Seems reaonable. But what's this doing in Meaningless Drivel, anyway?

Didn't know where else to put it really. Just seemed opinionated so thought it should go here.
Does anyone have any articles/links on any statements that Sun has made about .NET and how they plan on competing with a company that once again stole their concept and made it their own?