The proposal contained in this letter constitutes an indication of our interest in pursuing a transaction and does not constitute a binding offer, agreement or agreement to proceed with the transaction or to otherwise make a binding offer or agreement at any point in the future.

ENGADGET: Dell bidding war afoot as Blackstone Group and Carl Icahn both make offers (update: confirmed)

While that sort of pitch letter is unusual, it's more an indication of poor forecasting than lousy returns.

FORBES: Valley of the Mudslingers

If this letter from Thomas Barthold, Chief of Staff of The Joint Committee on Taxation is any indication it is not going to be nearly as much fun, when it comes to rate reduction this time.

FORBES: Eliminating Tax Expenditures To Cut Rates - Early Results Are Underwhelming

"Regrettably, the announcement was made without an assessment of the costs and benefits, or a plan or timetable for managing the process, or an indication of what alternative payment instruments might need to be created, " the letter said.

BBC: Cheque use given backing by government minister