Good post HAL. I admit unease over a serving officer speaking alongside the Thales bid team, with others bidders not mentioned. It gives the impression that Thales is the preferred bidder. Are they?
Even so, a good commercial officer (in practice the DE&S Commercial Director, a 3*, or one of his staff) would jump on this and demand (as is his right and duty) the good Gp Capt does not attend; in the interests of fair competition.