Mike,
You said,
"2. I have been in the camp believing that the 500M OS after the split is excessive and tempting for potential abuse. At the same time, it can also be seen as everything the company says it is (currency to make timely deals, reward staff, and averting a buyout). It all depends on how carefully they limit tapping into it. Knowing that tapping into it will dilute CB’s shares too should help make him think twice."
The 'reward staff' really scares me if the 'staff' is rewarded
~ 15% after the R/S, CB and 'staff' will have more than 50% of shares and thus carte blanche to do whatever.
I agree with you as far as the dangers of a NO vote. The dangers of a YES vote are also apparent. This seems to be changing from a difficult decision into an impossible decision.