Starting Blend when client not connected to internet?

Question

I've recently started experimenting with Blend with my Z30 and my laptop running Windows 7 Enterprise sp1; Blend Windows client v.1.1.0.17, Blackberry Blend app v.1.1.0.67 on the Z30.
One thing we'd like to do is to use it in places where we have no internet access other than through the mobile network on the Blackberry. Essentially tethering only for Blend. 
Blend works fine if the laptop is connected to the internet, the Z30 connected to the mobile network, and the two are connected by USB. Once Blend is connected, I can then disconnect the laptop from the internet, but leave the phone connected to the laptop via USB, and Blend continues working without any problems, using only the mobile network.
However, if the laptop is not connected to the internet when I actually start Blend, I generally cannot get it to connect at all. I plug the Z30 into the laptop, start Blend, and it will go through Discovering, Connecting, Verifying Secure Connection, then end up with a "Can't Connect" message. 
I say "generally" because Blend will connect if I try to do it within a very short time after disconnecting the laptop from the internet. It won't work, however, if, for example, I start up or resume the laptop somewhere where I don't have an internet connection for the laptop.
I'm guessing that the Blend client on the desktop does some initial verification prior to establishing the USB connection with the Z30 that requires an independent internet connection, and if it cannot do this it won't connect.
I also note that Blackberry Link on the laptop will crash if run when the laptop is not connected to the internet, and am guessing this might be related.
Can Blend be started when the only internet connection available is through the mobile network on the phone?
-- BV

Answer 1

Following up on my earlier post; I also have a Playbook, and one of the most useful features is Blackberry Bridge, which provided similar functionality as Blend, though (only) over Bluetooth, and only between a Blackberry and the Playbook. Blend looks like it provides similary functionality, but on more devices, which is great.
Blackberry Bridge, however, does not require the Playbook to have an internet connection to work; I hoped Blend would work in the same way, thus my original post. FYI, I am a lawyer, and in my practice I am often at a tribunal or court where I do not have wifi access, and being able to use Blend to access my email and office intranet on the laptop would be a very useful feature.
I also note that Blend doesn't support Bluetooth; not a big deal, as a USB connection is fine, just curious. And I suppose that there is a good reason for the client requiring a separate internet connection, even if no one here seems to know why .
-- BV