That wouldn't be being a hero. Being a hero in this instance would be dropping the whole thing and asking the patent office to kindly revoke the patents as you have just realised that they are rubbish and that you are destroying your own industry for short term gain.

Licencing them for a nominal fee is still reserving the right to change your mind. Is a bit like saying that you aren't going to use the nukes, but you want to keep them around just in case you feel like obliterating anyone in the future.