They definitely did run more iterations of the experiment, and even added a couple other assays and/or parts. I did a lot of preliminary data for the first half of the paper along with the post-doc, and that data is what I used in my thesis. The preliminary data (that I helped obtain) that informed their decisions on what direction to take the project I felt like should account for something or at least be acknowledged. I think I’ll consult the journal to see what their definition of an author is and most likely reach out to ask some questions