According to an answer I received from Mrs. Hartley/IR PTSC
"Yes, we are aware of Dutton, and may replace them if we find a suitable firm, so that we continue to have adequate third party research available."
Dutton is out of business - but it seems PTSC is in NO hurry to replace them.
Well, as long as we are hanging with the USPTO, there is indeed no need to communicate about PTSC...
GLTA