>First, I apologize to “landman1” for my course remark on “pumping”—landman1 has been an invaluable resource for all.

Appology accepted. But I still don't agree with what you said :)

Exxon's "action" was that they recommended that they stop testing the Foldeak-1. Totally understandable if they drilled that well targeting natural fractures that they subsequently discovered contained water in the first 2 fracs.

If you disregard everything we know other than what is official, all we know is that Exxon had to spend $50 million, no more, no less. They drilled the F1, did 2 completions, and advised Falcon and MOL that they didn't think it was wise to continue with the testing. After discussions, they did 1 more frac which used up the remainder of the $50 million.

Exxon has probably now left the Mako trough, which is to be expected since they no longer have the legal right to be there, and within 4 months they have to advise Falcon on whether or not they want to continue to phase 2.

Everything else is totally 'inadmissable' at this point.