Good discussion here Rocky, and that is a great article that you and Louisa discussed.
The NED process is certainly a "grayish" area as far as the harm that may or may not be done. If there was a clearcut, simple way of showing that no embryo is subject to ANY potential harm, I think the NIH would have jumped on it more decisevely.
This recent lawsuit certainly gives us an interesting position. I imagine the NIH would much prefer to get rid of the DW Amendment nonsense, and then go through with the redefinition, rather than limit funding to only ACTs NED lines. I agree with those that are saying the NED process is like a last resort, as far as the NIH sees it.
Furthermore, I would like to read those 2 journal articles that Lanza referenced in the Lanza paper, if I ever have the time.