I agree with all your points. I believe RP was slow rolling, intentionally delaying everything for some reason. I remember you stating what RP had told you.

Hopefully the company has physical proof, emails, texts, etc, they can use to collaborate. RP gave the reason as NP needed to sign a contract, but my feeling was NP didn't know about that contract issue until talking with MC around the end of June. Otherwise it would seem like the obvious point to give NP when complaining about any delay, and NP is still upset at RP on July 1st. We will see how they respond.