My recollection is when the VA franchising component of the drinkable air "product" went south, so did the pps as those propping it up silently dumped. Followed by and "Oh, by the way..." moment.
As for the split, it's not necessary IMO. The whole QB penny threshold is a joke IMO. This and many OTC's would thrive as a Pink, QB, QX etc. with proper transparency and results.
Hence the unavoidable and dreaded "D" word invariably pops into folks' minds. $EEDG
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.