Sorry, I don't agree with you at all. I have shorted stocks at times. In fact, my winning percentage on short trades is much higher than it is on the long side.
Now I can't short anything under $5. My brokerage firm won't permit it. I wish I could short penny stocks because many of them are walking dead.
You need to differentiate short selling from people who spread misinformation in an attempt to drive down prices. Prices can get out of line. When they do, opportunities are created. Generating false news, positive or negative, should be prosecuted. But if you are waiting for the authorities to step in, I suggest you will be waiting for a very long time.
Geron is far from a sure thing. Whether it is worth $3 or $6 a share right now is subject to debate. I am sure that if and when the company clears the hurdles it must overcome to reach the finish line, it will be worth a lot more than it is today. That's why I own shares. The simple fact is that neither you, nor I, nor Mr. P&D are part of the decision making process for the next or any other hurdle yet to come. What will happen will happen all by itself. The process is in motion.
Bottom line: if Mr. P&D and his ilk are capable of knocking this down even more, and the facts known today don't change, I will buy more. And I would advise you to do the same. If what was a potential 1000% gain becomes a 1400% gain, I will adjust my ownership appropriately. Don't sweat the nonsense. Mr. P&D doesn't get a vote on the company's progress. Frankly, he can only help you. Let him.
