It is just my personal opinion but one gleaned from common sense and our current circumstances with regards to court cases and a new third party challenger. I think the German validation gave us the shot in the arm that we really needed. If nothing else it gave a professional opinion from a separate group (Germany) who's knowledge in engineering is world renowned. It doesn't mean the USPTO has to side with them but it certainly didn't hurt our cause. I know drawn out reexams can be the norm but, this appears to be fairly complex in terms of the need to tie it all together. After all, the USPTO is the one who made the orginal request for the patents to be separated.