Blancpain

A very rare one, as I only saw two others like this one. But this one is in awesome condition. 

What does the “LIP” signify or stand for?

LIP was a retailer in Paris, and also a manufacturer in Besançon.
www.thenakedwatchmaker.com

Didn't LIP turn down the Nageur de Combat guys (Maloubier) when they were searching for a useful french tool, and refused to make a diver for them?

Every time I see any of your vintage FF's I am thinking that the "modern" FF's ,including the recently released 42 mm versions, do not share too many design elements in common.

Hélas,the price of this gold-bronze version was equally "superb".
But in steel it could be the one for me.

I somehow anticipate that an expansion of "Tech" to a "FF Tech line" would make sense, be it with 47mm or 45mm case and rubber straps similar to Act II. A long stretch from the fantastic originals in many ways, but very close in terms of the original concept. My take (and hope) is that they follow the concept.
It would also make sense to upgrade the titanium used for 5010 to the 5015 iterations.

Yeah, that and/or a revision of the present to bring it to the series would make a lot of sense, would belong there. The way I picture it, an expansion of the Tech to a series with a common design language ++ will open up some space for more luxury to 5010/5015. Not something I'd ask for, titanium and indices from act I would be more to my liking. Would love to see both Act I and Nageurs de Combat in titanium.

As long as you don't sell mine 😉
Fully empathise with your sentiment, somehow doubt it would happen beyond a limited run though.