Yes I also remember that 3boz, and why would GE part with their...

Yes I also remember that 3boz, and why would GE part with their dollars for reaching that milestone point if they didn't have to? and if it won't chang one thing re timing for GE, they get to save some dollars in interest and get a bit longer to feel comfortable with the technology, and also and perhaps more importantly, not have any anti Silex enrichment protesters hanging over their head to throw a spanner in the wheels, I think you will see the US government come out and say something to these protesters like "forget what you ask" this technology is way too important to the US for future power requirements for any ban to be placed on this because of some misguided belief that it will proliferate!

That is when the dollars for the test loop will come IMHO, and not one person could blame GE for taking this path!