True, their test was less than spectacular. Additionally, their long range missile reportedly broke up in their famous July 4th display. What concerns me, however, is the reported cooperation with the Iranians. Data analysis of the failures, plus information Iran acquired in the ill-conceived Operation Merlin could have them on the road to a very capable warhead sooner than we realize.
You are on to something. The North Koreans are broke, the Iranians, while not flush, have cash. The Iranians probably can’t match North Korean technology, so they’ll fund North Korean development and share in the results.