pending mining policy, page-3

LOL - there is always some ground for optimisism. It is just a game of attrition with only the most optimistic (or deluded, depending on your take on it) remaining.

I wonder why you would think Alsons are "in the loop", which would then follow that from your perspective that Cojuangco (San Miguel) isn't in the loop. Have you ever considered the possibility that the one most likely "in the loop: is Cojuangco - hence the exit of SMC from the game.