If anyone thinks that you can get anything major done in KSA without commission/brokers/bribery call it what you will, is naive and lacks experience of working with their culture. Unfortunately, its the price you pay for selling to these people. If you don't want to pay the price, don't sell to them.
Whilst not wishing to accuse any organisation of any wrong doing, how did the Americans get them to buy F5,F15, E3, C130's, Corvetes, Frigates, patrol craft plus support. Ditto the French with the Cougars/Dauphins/Super Pumas/frigates and oilers in the western province. Ditto the Germans with the torpedo boats. Ditto the Spanish with the Casa C-212's and APC's....the list goes on. To quote a banned book in the kingdom...he who is without sin etc.
Selling to the Saudi's is massive business, which companies and governments want to protect at all costs. This was highlighted in 2003 - 2005 with the little regard shown for the pink bodies of those working out there when the terrorist threat was as high as it gets. Other than creating a secure bolt hole in your villa (ours was on the roof.... no shade) little was done. Saying that, Salwa village compound is now on line, and appears to have reduced the risk somewhat, at least to BAe personnel.
The major question that I would like answered, is what started the SFO rabbit running in the first place?
A parting note, and lets not kid ourselves here.....
Saudi Arabia. When the oil runs out, so will everyone else
Edited to add: Some of the above may have already been covered in the previous 288 posts.....but I couldn't be arsed to read them all!