Thank you Berkeley team ( I hasten to mention names on this platform for confidentiality), for taking the time to reassure me and explain the status. With regards to the two gentlemen you mentioned being away, unless it is a permanent / extremely long away time, I would not mind waiting for them to return, especially if you had selected them first in terms of potential compatibility... in other words, I trust your judgement implicitly :)!
Rachel - we love you and love working with you. Dates a go go at the moment. Thank you for your kind words. Love from all the Berkeley team x