I have never in my life seen a project that took more time and cost less. I'm therefore not convinced that paying for a longer time would decrease the costs. The people, particularly in the RInC program, who have the greatest interest in minimizing costs are generally those who are paying two thirds of the bill. In general, we pay one third of the total costs and the other partners pay two thirds. I can guarantee you that it is even more in their interest to decrease the costs. That is the context within which they are working at this time.
On October 28th, 2010. See this statement in context.