Tim, the only 'smart alec' comments seem to be coming from you.
You continually talk about the project failing and someone else taking over, but then continually skirt around giving any answers to who that might be.
You either don't know anything or wont tell, so therefore I have no other option than to treat your comments with a large grain of salt. You seem to be as elusive with giving credible information out as TVOC are.
Personally I feel if the project dies, that's it. I can't see anyone else in the UK picking up the pieces, let alone getting the public to support an already failed project.
But that's just my opinion.
Even if someone actuall did pick up the pieces, I ONLY want to see 558 flying in the UK. If, as the official statement suggests, it might be sold to the Yanks, (and presumably taken to the states) then I'm not going to give a damn about it or supporting it.
If its not kept flying in the UK, it might as well be stuck in a museum for all I care, as I wont be seeing it anyway.