OK - I accept your thoughts. (except that Rossi is acting a rational businessman with an invention.)
I would counter that if eCat was indeed a functioning LENR device, then why would he not actually be generating electricity with it already?
Why would he miss every deadline for device production (that he set for himself)?
Let us just say that Rossi is "eccentric". Whatever he may be, it is obvious that Rossi has a genius-level intellect. I've never known a genius level scientist who wasn't "odd" in one area or another. He is being rational by "his" standards.
"I would counter that if eCat was indeed a functioning LENR device, then why would he not actually be generating electricity with it already?"
Because everything takes more time and costs more than one estimates. Personal example....my company has worked as a subcontractor on a biowarfare detection device...the tech is complete, has finished all testing, beaten out all the competition, and WILL be produced....but it has taken eight years. And is not "out-the-door" yet. Of course, this involved the government, so all the sequester hoopla has delayed things.
And our tech is well-understood compared to Rossi's.
"Why would he miss every deadline for device production (that he set for himself)?
See above. There are ALWAYS delays, most often having little or nothing to do with the validity of the technology.