I’m guessing the reference is to this:

we hear – some ‘unexpected’ results during scaling experiments – posher e/i-guns required, etc.

From the latest quarterly update we know EMC2 modified the electron guns. Here is the full quote from EMC2’s 4Q 2011 Recovery.gov update for context:

During 4Q of 2011, EMC2 has modified the electron injectors to increase the plasma heating. The higher plasma density in WB-8 prompted the need for higher heating power. We plan to operate WB-8 in high beta regime with the modified electron injectors during 1Q of 2012.

I suppose the “unexpected results” refer to the “higher plasma density”. I think ordinarily that would be considered a good thing, even if it required upgrading one’s equipment. Nevertheless, I don’t have enough of a background in Polywell theory and/or plasma physics to understand exactly what is implied by the latest quarterly update. A new update should be posted on April 30, which [em]may[/em] shed more light on EMC2’s progress.

More to the point, the Navy has prepared a contract extension for EMC2. According to my interpretation of the contract schedule, testing of the WB 8.0 (D+D) device is due to be completed by September 30 of this year, and testing of the WB 8.1 (p+B11) device is due to be completed by March 31, 2014. If, as is rumored, the contract extension will be signed by the end of this month, then I would take that as a sign that the Navy feels the current experiment is at least performing well enough to merit continued funding; otherwise they would not feel obliged to extend the contract.