<could it benefit them, in any way, having this action delayed? > IMO NO.
< strong NIRC response would put great pressure on them to deliver > IMO No. The opposite would be true. It would make it easier to deliver.
<They could finance their efforts by sale pf stock in PTSC if it were to appreciate significantly.> I don't think TPL has that many shares and I think it would take quite a few shares to finance their efforts at current prices.
Opty