I don't see how B) would work in this case. However, it could also simply be a huge pile of money getting burned, with a few useful innovations made along the

I don't see how B) would work in this case. However, it could also simply be a huge pile of money getting burned, with a few useful innovations made along the way. I would venture to say that is the most likely outcome, actually, although I prefer A) to happen, of course.