I have a similar belief that MIN would have contacted formally...

I have a similar belief that MIN would have contacted formally or informally some of the top 20 beforehand.
It was a no lose for MIN - even if they picked up another 10 or 20% it gave them effective control of NWE.
This put to rest any concerns about needing NWE's agreement re tenements.
At 50%, and now 70% he has picked up a lot of cheap shares in a major exploration area.
Many would consider it a staggering success to get so much of NWE for zero $$$
MIN certainly have not lost by any means in this.
They may not have achieved all they wanted, but in no way a loss.They would have targeted those that they knew were more likely to sell.
You were probably tagged as a problem from the start

Up, up and away
GLTAH