I would question assumption #5 5. The process does not require applied energy to be initiated
With start up times measured in days...I don't think you can say that, ie a random cosmic ray, or stray energy from anywhere..... could kick it off.... I would also question the complete rejection of the neutron creation branch of theory.... I found the following to be somewhat interesting in this realm... http://www.slideshare.net/lewisglarsen/lattice-energy-llclenrs-ca-1950ssternglass-exptseinstein-bethenov-25-2011
