dunacnmcl -
If I follow your line of reasoning, it would seem that MEO has "identified" an area of potential and they are interested in acquiring leases (or land purchases) in the identified area. The area would "outline"their perception of the hydrocarbon resource.
I would surmise that MEO "gave up" the shallow wells to AUL because they fall outside of the "outlined area." One would hope that this means that the MEO engineering team has a handle on where the resources are and where to drill. It would also seem that they are going in the right direction since they have "hit" hyrocarbons at every well.
As an aside, I wonder if the outline is in the shape of an elephant.
- Panamax