NKI has surely only ever missed Stars meetings because of contractual obligations, never because of preference as you put it GRW. Yes last year was a different matter because he didn't set out to race the whole season for us. He is the only GP rider who races 4 leagues and it is hard to spread yourself at certain times of the season.
For 6 years he's been a great RACER for us, very rare in single figures, if he does not sign for us in 2017 he will be missed big time.
I hope we hear the team line up soon.