"I admit the 3 announced today were probably pre-signed and were already completed so TPL/PTSC just announced them as "reinforcing" the MMP."

But when were they signed? Were they signed within the last few weeks? Before the USPTO or after? If after ( which I believe ) it offers insight about the rate of signings. And the rate seems to be increasing ( along with dollars paid ) if you accept this as what is going on.