Once again- if you think you can divine what would or wouldn't have happened had not the loans been secured as they were then you have very great powers indeed. The most likely outcome one might predict in this very hypothetical scenario is that the company most likely wouldn't have survived. End of story right there. As for the settlement- I really don't think you or I know enough about the fine intricacies to know just what factors prevailed. It is quite presumptuous to think you do. And again- at least one predictable outcome if the lawsuit wasn't settled and went to trial- we wouldn't be here talking about JVs and deal negotiations or drilling or ZTEM. All we and the company would be consumed with would be the protracted trial- and by the way- paid for with what- new loans? And do you think there would be any chance of a JV going forward? The terms may not have been very good. And of course it is galling to know the weasels are benefitting. But thank God- and thank Briscoe- that the suit was settled.