Simon, how about this scenario:
Clarus is a friendly.
At the time of the Noront/Clarus meeting, Noront had a very good idea of what hole 49 contained (and likely 50 and 51?).
Noront provides a wink, wink to Clarus as a means of ensuring that Clarus buys a substantial number of shares, ensuring they are in allies hands. At the same time, Noront drags it feet so to speak with respect to issuing a N/R to ensure Clarus is able to accumulate enough shares to assist in the defence of a possible hostile bid once the "barn burner" release is announced. Speculation? You bet. Possible? You bet.
Both scenarios are possible but I would lean towards the likelihood that Wes and BOD are likely to attmpt to maximize their returns as compared to undermining them.
Cheers,
Milsy1