Based on previous research, the warmth in the Atlantic does not help El Nino to grow... it may even oppose it a touch.  The state of the PDO is interesting, but I still think it's reflecting our previous 3yr La Nina... the ocean can take some time to adjust and if/when we finally get more El Nino like wintertime circulations over the North Pacific, I would expect that signal to dissipate.  We shall see!  Thanks for the comment.