barefootrunner, I think this is the wise thing for AVNR to do. It appears they are covering all of their bases.
1. If buyout, no problem.
2. If partnering, no problem.
3. Now, if going it alone, they will have no issues with being cash strapped. During the cc, it was never said they would not raise capital, all that was said was they had enough money for the launch. Why would they not put themselves in a better position in case of cost overruns, or costs associated with other projects?
Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining!