If alternatives worth mentioning existed then I would be inclined to agree with you. As they don't however, the flat spot on the decline curve that opening up for drilling now would make 10 years out just may be the breathing room the makes the difference between life and death.

It isn't like we have anything better to do with the drill rigs.

It isn't like we have anything better to do with the drill rigs.

Other than working over the existing well stock, and drilling sidetracks or infills in existing patterns. Otherwise you'd be looking at an extra 5-10% decline per year.

Fear not! My 11 year old son is working on a nuclear-powered car battery that will hold a charge for one hundred years... And if that fails (he's a little short on the plutonium to run some tests), there's always the Big Fella in the sky to save the day!

Regards, Matt B
Smiling though gritted teeth.

Actually, there is such a thing as a nuclear-powered battery:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_battery

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7843868

Unfortunately, there's not much chance of buying one at your local Wal-Mart just yet.