I agree with the advice you gave, adding partnerships will be an encouragement so that this IEO can run with the roadmap that has been outlined.
especially if this IEO is registered with several large exchangers.
That's right, adding a collaborative partner to a project is very much needed, so that the project can be helped and easier to complete the work that is written in the road map.
From what it looks, the team is emphasizing on their main net which they believe will be enough to bring in partners and sponsors. Pretty sure the PR team is also at work, constantly looking out for approaching entities to tie up with.