Why would they even propose the project, then? I'm not saying I disagree with you (this whole matter is very confusing and there is a lot of information we aren't privy to), but why go to the length of rolling out these proposed renovations if the end goal is too drag your feet until the project is dead? It may have started with the foolish notion that they would have gotten money from the government. But it was also part of the storyline they are selling both season ticket holders and potential television partners. That story being that ownership is gung-ho about pouring money into this team at any moment, just as long as everything else lines up perfectly. They talked big about the construction from day one of their ownership and everybody covering the Cubs knew it needed massive overhaul. They sold Theo on a complete renovation that would mirror Fenway. The threat of a lawsuit is just not a justifiable reason not to begin months ago. Large projects take lots of time and plenty of lawsuits take place. When you have money and city approval, you start, then deal with problems as they come up. That is, unless you were never serious about spending the money. I think that they basically got in over their head in terms of what kind of money they'd have and how this would play out is more likely than them effectively making up stories about money they'd never spend.