"Has anyone spoke to AE since Dec 20th? I tend to agree that very close means right at the end or conclusion and my interpretation of this would be within 30 days at least. But what is Aubrey's meaning of very close?"

I think you can pretty much get an idea by the trading patterns. The players know roughly when the PEA is coming out as they are likely privy to info. from those with NDAs. Someone on the outside always knows what's happening on the inside. Think of all of the NDAs and all associated, the labs, the testing staff and so on. Lots of greasy palms out there. We'll see where the chips fall when the poop hits the fan.