Babjak not often, and nor would I dare to disagree with you, but I do on some of your conclusions.

As I see it Eabametoong is a bit over 100 kilometers from the recent E-W route and about 80 from N-S one. It is the reverse for Neskantaga, 100+ from N-S and about 45 from new E-W.
Just based on those distances one or the other will complain about either route. Note, Marten Falls was against the E-W route because it was distant from them and not going through 'their traditional' land as now the two routes are to Eabametoong and Neskantaga.

I jump to the comclusion that it is not about any route, that is just an excuse. They are about benefits that (I suspect, don't know) they want equal shares with the closer communities to the Ring. And they are stretching imagination that the Ring is as much their's as Webequie's.

In no way do I see it that way and suspect most people think the same, which irks these have nots.

"And the Ring of Fire lies on the traditional land of Marten Falls First Nation." Huh? Babjak, that land if it belongs to any one at all is foremost Webequie's. There should be no doubt about that. All the others are more or less claim jumpers.

Sorry to rain on your post but what I state above seems only logical to me. With all due respect for your excellent contributions, Ed.