"Nor would it surprise me to hear they've sold some portion of their interest in the MMP to someone who can help them prosecute infringement in place of TPL, and perhaps in competition with TPL."

I can't get my brain around this one. The USPTO has to be very close to some type of action. I don't think there's any way to put a price tag on even part of the MMP until the USPTO Re-exam has been finalized. Why wouldn't they wait for this?

The sale of PDSG would not surprise me at all.