"Perhaps a previously interested party from the past (I recall there being 1 or 2) was  put / driven off by BG and have a different POV now."

Yes- maybe it's foolish optimism- but it may be that BG was pushed out to facilitate a deal. Some say that he undermined and/or fouled up potential deals with both the Chileans and the Japanese. He even reportedly alienated and fouled up agreements with a neighboring landowner- impeding access to our Hay Mountain claims. So- his track record of dealing with others and concluding deals does not seem very good. Not to mention the fact that over his years in charge, an obvious fact is that he has failed to conclude any deal. Having him out of the way may be part of paving the way for a deal. In addition, it opens the possibility that a CEO of a JV partner's choice might be put in his place as part of a deal.

Whatever the plan- with PO's investment,  there has to be a planned path for him to realize a ROI. The question is- will he alone benefit- or will we regular shareholders share in the success. Only time will tell- not likely PO.