Well, the benefits have become pretty obvious in the meantime,...

Well, the benefits have become pretty obvious in the meantime, haven't they? Besides the more theoretical argument of being a better-rated mid-tier gold miner, the ones that really do convince me are regional diversification, addition of a higher margin operation (Copler), and evasion of current and future Australian "tax-attacks". Shortly after the deal was consummated, the market handsomely rewarded those who kept holding their former Avoca shares.