I totally agree that Mueller definately would want to interview, but for him to put out there that he's willing to limit the scope and have that leak seems a bit unlike his style that we've seen so far.

Personally, my thoughts are that now that the Manafort trial has begun and that Gates may testify which automatically prompted the SC's Office to turn over the information Gates had proferred in his plea agreement may have as much to do with it than anything.

Trump and his lawyers now know what Mueller knows with respect to Gates' role and those who he may have implicated along the way. I think this is more the lawyers telling Trump that Mueller has more than they thought they have and that it's serious.

Also, it may have something to do with the decision of the prosecutors not to call Gates as a witness?

Trump now knows that Mueller knows a lot more than he ever suspected. It seems to have freaked him out.

in the witness list obviously,

It almost feels like the introduction of book where we get a snippet of things to come.

I think there is some very strategic maneuvering going on between the lawyers for each side.

I hope the actions of the Judge do not lead to an acquittal? That is always a possibility, anytime there is a jury trial.

Also, that is why Mueller is trying to keep Manafort's trial separate from the larger Russia investigation, because if Manafort were to somehow be acquitted, Trump and the Republicans would attempt to interpret it as a nail in the coffin of the Mueller investigation. That is why they are trying to keep it separate.

Trump's lawyers now have a known testimony from Gates.

So far, I don't think the judge has been unrealistic in the Manafort trial. I think he wants it to be firmly based on Manafort's actions, not the extravagance.

As for having this trial separated from the rest of the Russia investigation, I think this is the only logical place to put it. This trial is to show crimes that were not born out of the actual Russian interference and possible conspriacy of the Trump campaign to effect the outcome of the election.

This is solely (as well as the DC trial) that effectively showing Manafort as a tax cheat, money launderer and foreign agent.

If convicted, then it may well be a precursor to the actions Manafort took as campaign manager and actions he took that helped the Russians.

..he will still be a big part of the Russia investigation. If he is going to flip, that will be the time.

and quite honestly, I'm not so sure who Manafort (and Cohen as well) is more afraid of, Muelller or the Russians.

...it's hard to run away. I would imagine that is heavy on the mind of Manafort. He doesn't have a lot of options.