I am not sure I would say it is much of distraction, but I do agree that it is a buyers market. I just can't see anyone interested in AW right now. If DRM can't make an economic case for restarting AW then nobody else can either and who is going to want to buy a non-working mine with a $4 million/yr holding cost?
If it can't be sold this leaves DRM with either shutting down AW permanently or holding onto it until sentiment and the gold price changes. I think there is more upside from holding than shutting down.