The float is the outstanding share count minus the stock which is subject to restriction PERIOD. I never cease to be amazed at how people try to finaggle around the float number. If there are 847,408,357 Shares Free Trading, then that is the float.
We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth... For my part, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst; and to provide for it. --Patrick Henry, Patriot and Hero of the American Revolution