Great post. What you are asking is a compound question that actually is formed by the last three paragraphs and I can answer it in a relatively short paragraph. While it does not mean I am right, it is a logical guess based on my view of M&A.
If we consider the Epic deal covers costs for ELI200 without dilution, and if we think the tech is plug and play, I think they need four products to prove to a big pharma firm that all is well enough with the tech to be bought. And, that is why it could be done before 2018. IMHO...