I am trying to locate where this came from, which I found in your post but just can't seem to locate in the links you provided:
Economic Authority, which can only be applied for in Phase III......
What I found is:
Economic authority becomes effective when the FAA has issued an operating certificate and operations specifications.
From what I have been hearing, I believe Baltia made the application to the DOT many years ago - like back in 2009 - and has been keeping it current and up to date as they have moved through the certification process with the FAA.
It seems that it becomes "effective" once the FAA issues the operating certificate.
Am I reading this incorrectly?