Microsoft doesn't have a history of patent trolling. Nor are they patent trolling now. Patent trolling is when an entity that neither invented nor practices the patent in suit obtained the rights to the patent and is enforcing it. When the plaintiff is the inventor and/or is practicing the patent, then by definition it is not patent trolling.

Patents are a big deal at Microsoft. They are highly encouraged. Employees who succeed in securing a patent receive a plaque that is proudly displayed in their office as well as a nice bonus.

That's true at just about every company, even Google.

The question is are the patents used for offense or defense.

It's actually a cube rather than a plaque. Some people have pyramids on their desk built from patent cubes.

The cube is for filing a patent. You get the plaque when it is awarded.

that has nothing to do with patent trolling though

You've got to have patents before you can patent troll.

Yeah, though what OP seems to be saying is that they're encouraging mid level workers to apply for patents. That seems pretty common and rather benign to me, certainly not indicative of patent trolling.