I like your Saville analagy.
The prolonged takeover allowed the Saudi's to test the water to see how they would be received.
I can also tell you that PIF have been frequent visitors at Anfield over the years. Why that never led to a bid who knows? Personally I don't think hard core Liverpool fans would have been as welcoming.
What Keith doesn't seem to see is that you can be a loyal mag and not have to constantly apologise, defend the owners, saying how great a place it is etc. It is a two way street - mags get money, Saudi get a football club. This is the bit I find bizarre.