>2)....reducing the risk of drilling,wihout having ever turned the drill bit....

That is absolutely wrong. All technologies, old and new require calibration to an unknown geological formation. The Makó trough is the most difficult formation anyone encountered on land. Therefore, in the formations like the Makó trough even the most advanced technology could lead to undesired results. So, when the best engineers in the worlds best company, using the latest technology comes up with a theorical model, then they still need to put the drill bit in the ground to find out if it works and learn from it.

That's why Exxon will move to Phase-2 a.k.a. The Appraisal Program.