"...probably to the end of this year."

Longer than that, I would think.

"With the vote to increase to 5 billion shares or 300% so abruptly instead of a gradual 3 billion perhaps, do you think this might be what we need to do within a joint venture by the end of the year?"

Are there two questions here? Do I think changing authorised shares to 5 billion is abrupt, too much too soon? No!

Do I think changing the share limit has anything to do with closing a JV agreement by the end of the year? No, I don't see a relationship.

"Let's say partner puts up the money to drill as long as they get .5 - 1 billion shares or conditional warrants?"

I don't see such an inducement.

"Maybe in conjunction with those committed to North Pipes?"

What?