I have never (not for one moment) been of the opinion that either Chip or Iain were playing. I have always been of the view they were serious and were managing to a plan that was mapped out by other leaders in industry who wanted/needed this technology to move forward. It has always been my view that if the platform was built to quality standards, was deployed, tested, proven robust, and met all requirements including scalability, that it was destined to be awarded. The patents of course we a specific driver...particularly the most recent which patents the clearinghouse itself.
No Junior, Chip and Iain never toyed. They managed to a specific agenda.