RE:for example ...Hedge my bets, eh? You bet I do. I know that nothing here is certain and I am in part speculating (and not trying to be biased one particular way). If I knew the answers, I would not bother to be here, nor would anyone else. The fact is we are all speculating and reasoning to the best of our abilities and resources.
I happen to know more than a little about groundwater modeling and the matter of an/isotropy in fractured rock systems, especially those characterized by drill core. It is not as simple as the responses in those documents indicate (summarize) and the modeling solution depends on parameter selection that in turn requires assumptions, preference and experience on the part of the modeller.
Hedge alert!: politics affects agencies like the EPA. With a mid-term election on the horizon as this appeal works through the system, I see every reason to expect some kind of interaction. However, obviously, it may amount to nothing. Heck, the EPA might even show a glimmer of efficiency and get this done within a few weeks.
I think the market has decided what scenario is more likely. I know both the market and I have been wrong before, but then again, I'm OK waiting to see how this shakes out. The chart sure suggests this will take time. The company is great in my view, and if they can deliver copper as per FS and scale up, some of the numbers posted on this board become reasonable.
BTW, thanks AZBilly for the political info, good to have some names to check out.