I think he is referring to the deal between DataTank and AM which was just reached 2 days ago? That is not Selling so much as a barter or trade, if I understand the deal correctly.
What would be AM's benefit from this barter?
I mostly agree with this. There is a huge chance that bitmain/spondoolies/other chips end up in the datatanks.
Although AM does have a closer relationship with DT than you make it sound. Even if they don't primarily use AM chips I expect a few PH will still be used/franchised.
Also 50% better seems a bit of an exaggeration for next gen considering they tested AM HW at 0.6w/gh at the wall.
SP30 chips will be 0.35W/GH at chip level so ~0.4W/GH at wall. You can fit 50% more hashrate for the same power draw. It's not an exaggeration.The bolded line doesn't benefit AM. But AM making a 80/20, or 60/40 or X/Y profit split with DM using AM Chips and DM's Tanks benefits both parties. The same way SP would get a benefit making the same or a similar deal. To answer your questions: "What would be AM's benefit from this barter?"
EDIT: I am only trying to suggest that maybe Spon has inaccurate information and maybe AM isn't selling chips at cost, but is instead transferring them to another party due to some arrangement that benefits both parties, such like the deal DM just claimed to make to save them money and get themselves hashing sooner.