Now, to the heart of the matter: How hard should the staff push? I think the answer may be: Harder than they expected to have to push. Presumably hostile MNs are en route, arrival imminent, we seem to be doing nothing to help the probes prepare. I think that (at least in my case) this is because we are still somewhat uncertain as to everything the probes can do (technical plans/specs would be nice) and are wholly uncertain as to the MNs capabilities and intentions, therefore, we contribute what we can and hope that somebody else comes up with the right idea.
I think that Mr. Zero hit it on the head that there are too few contributors. How many people can be counted on to participate on a daily basis? Half a dozen? Not nearly enough for a complex situation like this. We need two things: more participation by lurkers (they know the story and probably have good ideas) and increased visitors. Until these two things occur, the staff is going to have to work a little harder at pointing us in right direction.
As far as the current situation goes, I think that, given where the probes are now and what they are doing, making nice with the ETs may be the way to go. If we're already drinking buddies with them by the time the MNs arrive, we should be in a good position. But if the staff feels otherwise, it's up to them to put up roadblocks, very obvious roadblocks, so we can regroup in time.
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aka Tim Erskine