John--I think a big part of it is the logistical costs of getting support equipment to the middle of the Pacific. There are several corporations that build submirsibles, for example, that would LOVE to that this expedition on their resume'. But, in these times, they too are having to cut cost, including the front loading of expenses dealing with going to Nikumaroro.
BUT---the light at the end of the tunnel is, if we can show that there is a 'possiblility' tha the Electra is there, and show that there 'wasnt' any documented crashes on Niku, that certainly narrows the probability.
Seems to me that Discovery is putting their resources in reality TV now. Truckers driving on dangerous roads, etc. Well wehn TIGHAR DISCOVERS the Electra, they will certainly wish they were onboard.
Tom