If he really was making oil with the early process

If he really was making oil with the early processor prototypes for less than $10/barrel but they were small scale, could only run short periods of time, output poor quality fuel and it broke down often... was he lying? Once he got funding he was able to learn more and develop p2o into a much more robust and controlled process. Ultimately it ended up costing more per barrel in cost, but the environment inside the kilns were monitored and controlled by computer, fuel type was able to be chosen with the flip of a switch, fuel quality was excellent, continuous cleanout, 3000lb/hr feed rates could be achieved at 40+ day long runs, feed stock could be liquid or solid... where none of that existed or was planned before. Is this fraud?