[eitally]

The rationale is simple: it freaking complex for a large corporation to navigate legal wranglings with "normal" trading partners during the best of times; given that they are currently embroiled in what already may bankrupt them, it does not make sense to embark upon a partnership with an unknown entity type.

Put simply -- they know what they know and they know what they don't know, and they're worried that if they step outside the comfort zone of redlines, LOLs, and escape clauses that they could worsen rather than improve the current situation.

<edit> That said, it is really myopic of them and it does demonstrate a possibly disastrous lack of foresight.