Mattis departure made me realize that all must be ready before the Q-uestion can be answered.
What if Mattis wasn't one of the 10 who could confirm?
What if POTUS hadn't even confirmed Q to Mattis?
Still keeping enough plausible deniability that Anons know, but others are left wondering.
When the time is right, the Q-uestion will be answered.
(may not even be safe for POTUS or the Op to answer the Q early, before stage is fully set).