[CRedskinsRule]

Another way to think about it, and these numbers are simplified, but they are for demonstration.

Lets say for every 1 barrel flowing out the well now, that BP would have gotten $80. So for every 100 barrels they would have gotten $8000.
again for simplicity lets assume 1 barrel escapes per day, this is only to make the numbers clearer.
Example 1- plugged immediately, only 1% lost until relief well is drilled
If they plugged it day one, they would have lost 1 barrel or $80, plus the expense to plug it and drill the relief.

Example 2 - They plugged 1 week later, 7%% lost until relief well is drilled.
they would have lost $560, plus the expense to plug it and drill the relief, + additional cleanup

Example 3 - after 10 days they succeed with a siphon to recoup 90% of spewing oil until relief well is drilled
cost is 10% or $800 + $8per day for the remaining days till relief well is drilled, + cleanup + Relief well cost

Example 4: 3 weeks into it they start siphoning off 30% of leak into tanker.
Cost is 21% or $1680 + $56 per day until relief well is drilled, + cleanup + increased govt oversight + relief well.


Bottom line it is most economically positive for BP to shut down the leak anyway possible. If they had the means to do that, they would. As it is, they are trying to a) minimize their loss and b) minimize the impact by siphoning some off until the relief well can be drilled