If they did 500 or 5000, isn't that sizeable for the bitcoin space? What are they supposed to do, 1,000,000 units? Your point has yet to be made other than the fact that they may be placing a small order to begin with. Perhaps there is a point to them stating it's a longterm partnership...

KnC made a chip news announcement today:

http://forum.kncminer.com/forum/news-and-anouncments/2233-chip-news

Doesn't look like its happening any time soon :\