Bernie:
I think we all hope that things will move along more quickly. And yes, it looks like April before Neil has the drills up and running. This may change if FWR or NOT hit something big, and a "major" wants to start buying. But I think that's unlikely in the short term. I'm just guessing that Cliffs might even want a 43-101 from SPQ-KWG, FWR, and NOT before it really takes a run at them. But that's only my guess.
You are correct, I think, in your observation that there are really on SPQ-KWG, FWR, NOT, and potentially UC Resources actively working the ROF. The chromite story is not going to go away, and we all know that there are also other mineral goodies connected with the chromite.
As far as BMK is concerned, I really don't think Neil is interested in a deal with BMK or any other ROF explorer at this point. There is just too much work to do in his own backyard up at the ROF - with both SPQ and NOT. Another deal would just complicate things a way too much. IMHO
Snug