Prediction: No dividends before gen4 is taped out, tested, and friedcat is satisfied with the result.
If gen4 fails to satisfy friedcat, the funds that could have been used to pay out dividends will be used for a contingency plan.
This would be a reasonable thing to do. It might also partially explain why no divs have been paid out in August: Funds are being retained a bit longer, in case the imminent tape-out of gen4 fails or fizzles.
Disclaimer: I'm pulling this theory out of my ass.
This is a reasonable idea. And a good business decision as well.
That would be horrible for shareholders. You do know how much time passes from tape-out till you can actually test the chip?