The delays in "something good" probably relate to the negotiatons likely going on about study parameters, goals, size, length and cost and who will pay for same. Those will be tripartite discussions being the FDA, RVX and the pharma payor and it is likely that the FDA has already made the opening gambit but every player will get their turn. Time limits are determined by finances, political pressures, participant egos and threats of competition.   Realizing that there are economies of scale and per patient costs go down as patient numbers go up, the cost while considerable to most here should not be a major concern for a big pharma.

Now if you want to play a game, profer an opinion on study patient numbers, costs and who will be the payor. Study length is not that variable, it will likely be 2 to 3 years. You can assume that it will be one big study and not several smaller ones.

So more like a poker game than a chess match.