Chris:
It would be difficult at best to share the evidence that I have gathered in support of the theory in a blog comment. However, I can provide some links that might provide some tantalizing information. I have more, but do not want to overwhelm or overstay my welcome.
Here is a link to an article I wrote about ExxonMobil's 2010 purchase of XTO for $41 Billion.
http://atomicinsights.com/2011/02/exxonmobil-earnings-9300-million-for-qtr-just-36-million-from-xto-production.htmlHere is another that I wrote about the price war against nuclear energy:
http://atomicinsights.com/2011/07/is-big-oil-using-crude-gasoline-profits-to-temporarily-hold-down-natural-gas-prices.htmlRod Adams
Publisher, Atomic Insights
