I know we've badgered them a bit already, but I had an idea, probably not one that will necessarily get us anywhere, but I thought I'd voice an opinion...
I play another game, some of you may of heard of it, but its called Warlords Battlecry III...
And the fanbase there managed to get a hold of something that was created called a 'Limited License Modding Project':
'
Limited License Mod Project
A Limited License Modding Project has been around for some time, as well, which provides use of the game's source code to any programmers looking to make a mark on the series. An NDA is required, and the game's Source Code remains available through the WBC3 Modding Project (c.f.), which was founded by some fans who had petitioned the game's developers for a limited use of the code. Though not very large, the home brewed project is one of the more active sites for casual gamers of the series, allowing them to exchange thoughts, programming information, and strategies. Some utilities are also available on the site, allowing players and programmers some insight into the engine mechanics, as well. The ultimate goal of this project, as determined by one of its original founding members, is to get as many people into the fold as possible, so that the game can become a public domain modding entity. Ideally, the project's current members are hopeful to get Mr. Fawkner to open source his game code, allowing maximum public interaction with the game.'
Read at the bottom of this page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warlords_Battlecry_III#Limited_License_Mod_Project
We wouldn't be able to negotiate anything similiar to something like this, instead of just asking for the source code to be publicly released?

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