are directly tied to PTSC.

nuff said.``

Huh? I must assume you intended ``(PTSC)``. So what the heck are you saying? PTSC has stated its desire for royalties, and on the TPL Web site it says they`ll pursue royalties (but will drop `em to make the deal). So, other than what TPL said at the AMS as to their interests RIGHT NOW, where`s the inconsistency you were so concerned about? Must be the thing about scrupples in informing your negotiation opponents of what deal you`d be willing to take at this point in time before initiating negotiations. Unbelieveable....

As for scrupples in negotiations - a little true story: In 1982 the Space Shuttle contract with NASA was up for grabs. The incumbent, Martin Marrietta and its team on one side, Lockheed and its team (Grumman, Morton-Thiokol and PamAm) on the other. Negotiation teams work furiously, and this was a BIG contract to carry for several years. Martin Marrietta people were caught digging through the Lockheed team`s trash looking for any info that might be advantageous. Suits in Dumpsters! No charges were pressed, as they figured the embarrassment was enough.

BTW, Lockheed won (I was on the Lockheed team). There was a one and a half year transition period. Many more things happened that were highly questionable. It amazed me when ultimately Lockheed and Martin merged.....

SGE