"There is no doubt to me that CFO would get a much better return from commercial contracts but Touchstone would not get a cut and no contracts mean there is plenty of product for Touchstone to cut deals with
Get my drift."
Presuming you're in fact correct in your hypothesis seems you're saying this is a bad thing S. Actually I think the exact opposite at this time in CFO's development/growth phase.
Any new business needs exposure. Touchstone has that...we're fledglings...that's the fact. We're making all the right production moves far as I can see from anns.
I see the relationship as a necessay symbiosis. They in effect become our advertiser/distributor/buyer/agent whilst we find our own feet. You would have to expect that the relationship is mutually beneficial surely?
Touchstone have the size/contacts/experience etc. to get us in.
I for one would be very cautious in biting the hand that feeds. Where you imply the negative (and I get it) I think without Touchstone and their high exposure and credibility CFO would have a much harder time dealing with issues alone. Having a "big brother" in the business world is a massive benefit...having the Malacha boys as our contract chasers didn't work out (ok...that's putting it kindly)...they're gone (don't personally care why...they did zero...good riddance).
Now we got the new guy...his contract is very performance based...shows pedigree and given he probably doesn't even know where the coffee machine is yet...he's showing form from day 1.
Doesn't matter what product you have...the costs/contacts/distribution outlets/exposure/logistics etc etc all cost... big time. Here we have a "big brother" Touchstone (we all know their relevance to us...so won't go there) that has this all in place...it doesn't mean they have exclusivity...we can deal with any third party anytime and anywhere i.e chase our own client base....so no harm there! If that point were otherwise it might raise the ol' radar...but have not read anything to that effect.
What it does mean is they are helping us get our foot through the door.
Sounds good to me...very very good!
Cheers