We've seen this pattern before, first with Refco then Northern Rock and look where they ended up. Why risk dealing with them when there are sounder alternatives whatever the cause of demise. The fed went through JPM to save the newspaper headlines of a direct bailout I don't believe this "operationally easier" line, they did it to prevent outright panic. "Parts of the business are sound" is what analysts said when BOE was lending to Northern Rock it didn't stop the shares being pummeled and every man and his dog hauling out their money.