Turtle,
I agree. Vetting by BP is not the only vetting form possible.
However, in oncology, AF's point is stronger. (But even here, there may be some exceptions. I mean what was SPPI's market cap when Fusilev was approved?) If, for instance, CLDX shows positive data in breast cancer for 011, but can't find a partner, then I'd be wary of holding onto my position, if CLDX decided to take 011 into Phase III by itself.
In short, it's another "rule" for biotech investors to consider. All in all, I think AF is making a much bigger deal out of this than it really is.
Bladerunner