Here is a response from an associate of mine for the last 25-years.  Accept it as truth, or not - up to you.

"As you know, I see more mining PRs than just about anybody, and though I have not done a scientific survey, I have not detected the same trend your friend has. Of course, the big dogs tend not to include their exploration efforts in PRs, or if they do they are stuck at the end, but I have seen no slowdown in the explorations by juniors and would argue that there has been an increase in the various types of deals whereby majors JV with or otherwise farm out their exploration to juniors."

LBSR hardly qualifies as a junior miner, being an exploration-phase company with no trenching or drilling in a blind, or mostly blind target.  Besides, the above indicates that a major having something like Hay Mountain would farm it out, not go looking for it.  Nor would they entertain such a project if presented to them by an explorer. 

I'll post more responses, should I have any, including those that may support what you contend (as doubtful as I am about seeing any). 

Happy Super Monday. 

VP