Putting things in the correct order, it would have to be partnership announced first, as there can be no trials without money and people to run them, and at this point, we need both of those. Accepted protocol without the means to put it into action is as valuable as the perfect car but no gas to run it.
I wonder if people clinging to "information by the end of the month!" are setting themselves up for disappointment and more excuse making. We'll know when we know. That's it. And hopefully when we finally do know something, it will be material enough to move the SP needle!