The key question for both is Why? Audit firm was replaced by another. However, circumstances suggest the old one left because of ecpn irregularities and questionable practices.
Smith was the only tiny shred of scientific credibility ecpn had. Now they have absolutely zero scientific credibility. He left because? 1. He disagreed with ecpn BS PRs. 2. ecpn did not follow his advice for independent 3rd party verification. 3. His BOD reccomendations were ignored and not acted on. 4. He figured out handy randy scammed him. 5. All of the above or 6. He is old and tired