.....There seems to be a belief that NOT needs FWR, or FWR needs NOT to move forward in the ROF. This belief extends beyond these two, and encompasses others in the ROF. SPQ, KWG, FNC, PRB et al.

The reason I bring this up, is that a fair amount of the reasoning regarding 'the deal' is based on this idea. But I'm not convinced it's true....some consolidation will surely happen, at some point....but I don't see NOT and FWR necessarily joining. In fact I think that FWR could quite easily dismiss NOT's advances and move forward. After all FWR has the chrome goods and NOT has a part of the goods.....yes NOT will have a chrome 43-101 out before FWR. FWR has Cliff! The 43-101 will be along in good time. I'm saying what is obvious (at least to Cliff) ...that when both chrome 43-101's are out FWR will be shown to be economically viable on it's own. FWR may join with SPQ & KWG....my point is that FWR will not need NOT's chrome.

The same reasoning may apply to NOT....they don't need FWR.....they'd like it, but don't need it. NOT needs to keep drilling Eagles and explore more of their huge land holdings. Maybe only the chrome part of NOT gets JV'd or dealt or sold.....or consolidated.

What I want to know before any consolidation happens, is what about the PGE's? This is a HUGE issue, and the results of assays could change the balance of the whole ROF. Just imagine if the PGE's are tied to the chrome.....FWR suddenly becomes even more viable.

At this point I am against the deal...but open to thoughts....cheers....sambone