I know I posted this thought already but now, having had almost a week to think about it some more, it still seems sound to me. The POC (unnecessary - they had plenty POC already) would have helped them lure partner earlier, while Prur still infant. Now, with company value increased, they may be able to take Prur further along in trials before partnering it out, thus landing better $ deal for it. This may not be method behind their madness but makes sense to me.