IMO there is a need to address one of your issues.

"This is a big change of strategy. I don't think they've missed a show in over two years. I know... cuz I went to many of them."

Anyone who considers this to be "a big change of strategy", is, I assure you, missing something somewhere.

Then again, if shows is all ye knows, and ignorance is bliss, then so be it.

Personally, I have considerable faith in the professional mining and exploration personnel associated with Kodiak.

PS After attending a couple of shows, I consider them to be a relic of pre-internet times.