Yes, hard to see a whale not buying direct vs. buying from a distributor like LQMT. But if direct order were placed from LQMT's territory, then LQMT would have both practical and legal standing to get a cut from Yihao. However, most whales would place order through their China office, and in that case, it's very hard to see LQMT having any practical case for getting a cut.
As far as LL, whatever his intentions were in..., when was it? 2016? Those intentions are irrelevant now. Given what happens to high net worth Chinese seen involved with foreigners nowadays, I highly doubt LL has risked any involvement with LQMT for sometime. If there's anything left of LQMT if or when China opens up again, maybe we hear from him then.
As far as LQMT having their own manufacturing, they just don't have the sales to justify that. I seem to recall you had idea that LQMT should just pick a product or products like a replacement part where BMG is superior vs. alternatives, and market it themselves to at least get to break even and stop the bleed. No reason they couldn't do that with their Chinese toll manufactures. Markups on aftermarket parts are high vs. parts sold to OEMs that are often sold at a loss.
In short, by all appearances LQMT is on their own to make $. They're business plan to do this has failed Something has to change or it's game over.
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