I don't find anything wrong with your speculation.  IMO, RR would NEVER fund a company and step out of the way.  My experience is quite the opposite -- I chuckle as I am currenting dealing with lots of micromanagement from our company's new BOD (venture capitalists).

I believe it to be very unlikely RR is not an <i>active</i> partner.  If it were your money, wouldn't you want some control?

The real question will be all about the results and we don't know how well RR's contacts have accepted IFE.  However, IMO, none of the airlines are going to balk because of the new company's size and wallet.  RR can and already helps with credibility in that marketplace.

John