To confirm that OSH put the purchase of Pac LNG interests on turbo a PNG business publication had this to say on February 14th where concern was raised about them buying into PRL 15:
"The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has expressed concern that there may be significant competition issues with Oil Search (OSH) proposal to acquire a 19.3% stake in PRL 15 – the Elk and Antelope gas field development project from Total SA. OSH also has a 29% interest in the PNG LNG project. ICCC was concerned that this proposed involvement by OSH in PRL 15 may substantially lessen competition."
So it seems right in the middle of negotiating with Total to be that 19.3% strategic partner Total mentioned in their original deal PR, they switched gears and in 13 days made the deal with Pac LNG. Maybe Total/IOC were saying that OSH would have to buy in on the exact same terms as Total including the proven resource escalators and they didn't want that much risk. They sure maneuvered quickly.
So OSH was indeed the strategic partner targeted, but OSH moved the target a bit.