Indeed, it probably would be. There are two reasons that just asking might not have results. The first, and it's simply speculation, is that some of the applicants might be hesitant to speak up for fear that someone else will see that the TLD is still desired and, sensing a chance to inject themself into the process, might speak up and claim it as well. I suppose that's one benefit to being continuously-involved: nobody has had a chance to claim we've given up. The second reason is more probable, I think - most applicants don't want to give the issue much thought until there is a process in place about which they can feel comfortable, for fear of this being yet another instance of Lucy inviting Charlie Brown to take a run at the football. That said, if the ICANN board wants to go down this path, I would gladly volunteer to contact each and every applicant personally, speak with them, and settle the speculation, if it would help. Some kind of indication from ICANN that we applicants from 2000 have not been forgotten (at best) or dismissed (at worst) would likely get things moving. And maybe we'll get to kick that football this time.