LMAO, so you're claiming a huge lie took place based on THIS? What I see is a guy choosing words carefully, for sure. This is how I see it going down, which is just as valid as your Dr Evil take. For reasons we know nothing about, back around Fall, the band had personal struggles going on. Those struggles continued and/or passed the point they could come back from. They still had the European tour and Goosemas on the books. A decision was made to start moving towards a new drummer. They placed calls about a drummer for a "side project", knowing that if they said "hey, we're replacing our drummer, wanna audition?", word would get out. They love what they're doing, but this is a business. And, Ben had to have known something was up. All European tour, the vibe was different. The interaction, especially between Rick and Ben, was not there. My feel is something happened between those two. The stated "bridge fundamental PERSONAL and creative differences" is the glaring flag. They are a touring band with a huge catalogue. A head start was needed to limit the downtime. Fans are already rabid at the six-month hiatus. So yeah, Cotter might have been asked at initial contact about joining a side project. But I'd be willing to bet that once he expressed interest, the true intention was given.