Just got caught up finally and read your post. I definitely think we're on the same page. Great summary. I would assume the last piece of the puzzle is between Haslam and the Academic Administration. I think the organized booster front came together with the withdrawal of resources threat and information campaign to induce pressure. I also agree that a few of those boosters have been working for years for this very situation in the likely event that Butch failed.
I would also assume that the meetings tomorrow and Thursday will go a long way into telling us if this deal finally is able to go through. I really think the repercussions are too great for the Academic side or Haslam to blow things up at this point. But, again, this is Tennessee.
Soon.