BB - Chevron has been such a thorn in the side of the JDA and ERHE that I believe Oliphant is correct when he states that Chevron has damaged their relationship with ERHE beyond repair. I would tend to chose #2 in that they are already in block 2 and have a working relationship with Sinopec.
I like your reasons for #3, however I am more intrigued by #8. Simply because I can't imagine the largest oil company in the world sitting this one out.
I would be whistling Dixie if any of the picks 3-8 come to pass.
I am desperately hoping #4 comes to pass IF and I mean IF one of the companies in 3-8 do the drilling.
Even though China/India will offer the most money up front, I don't trust them to do any drilling with my money on the line. If they decide to do the drilling on their own I will more than likely sell and move on.
In my view it looks like CVX has the inside track with Addax. I also think that whoever buys Addax buys ERHC.
The U.S. isn't planning on developing STP so they can guard Indian/Chinese oil rigs. I fully expect an all out buying spree from the US once oil is proven in the JDZ.
On a lighter note.....
The Hawkeyes are looking good I have never seen a team get jobbed like OU did I predict the Irish to get beat 2 more times I'm trying to find a ticket for Ohio State/Michigan The SEC is one tough conference
BB your list is missing a couple of far more likely alternatives. Remember that no major wants to have to "manage" EO, no major can afford to buy all at the "asking price" too much blue sky, controlling interest only takes 51% voting shares. Tell me, would you vote your shares for EO or a more experienced management group with storng financial backing?