hmmm... I can see two sides, as to why they would and why they wouldnt,

Pioneer have obviously developed the Plasma screen as far as they want to go with it, so

either they pull out now and retire as a superior brand, as there will be nothing to campare new plasmas to.

or

have the screens manufactured by some one else, share the technology allowing other screens to be as good as theirs, but still keeping there name in the market place

pressuming they have recovered their development costs I know which option I would be choosing if thay are wanting to remain as one of the elites