I think the answer to your question is obvious. He can't talk about those things to shareholders. He can respond to a purely scientific query, and give his professional opinion.
Actually, to be more specific, I have tried in the past and been politely rebuffed.
Having said that, I do get the impression from him that he is very busy, things are progressing at their own (maddeningly slow) pace, and he's comfortable about the future success of AS.
He abides by the same silence policy that we all find so hard to handle.