Yep, you are correct about TPL not having shareholders to appease.  however, they might also be waiting for additional negotiations.  We just don't know. 

As speculation, any mean ole copy cat would want to KNOW the validity issues (USTPO) as well as the mirage of dung being flung against the wall by the J2.5. 

IMO, the portion you see as a negative in terms of time, I see exactly the opposite.  TPL has already jumped through the Markman hoop and, it seems, be in an advantagous postion rather than playing defense.

Of course, anything can happen, but I like our chances -- which is worth lessthan the "penny for my thoughts."

John