Agreed Old & Wise, if this failed it would have been known long ago as with other past minis. If it were a fil, it would follow previous demonstration patterns. This one does not which suggests something is different.

It also makes sense that a fail would be less work than a pass. With a fail, IMO, it probably is fill out the paperwork they tried and did not pass, then schedule the next one. With a pass, there is not only proper paperwork to record the pass and begin work on the next steps, but FAA probably has to be sure without a doubt that the mini passed. IMO this probably takes a long time without the added issue of the slide. They probably have to support their conclusion from every possible angle that could be argued, otherwise they open themselves up to risk.

I have no experience in the aviation industry, but even I can tell they have to be sure based on the industry and what is at stake.

All IMO