How could he know before the voting take place? Does he have a crystal ball? No the reverse split had nothing to do with the loans, pps was too low for good financing agreements or it would end with billions of shares like many POS stocks, thats why he made the reverse split now, because he need shortly more money and no chance to get enough with a .0050 pps. And i think it makes sense. Your numbers are strange. It was up from .0060 to .016 (printed .02). One day later the pre filing was released. I think you give it to much attention because its not like today you make a filing and tomorrow you release it. These things are long planned. And he couldnt know that there is a run that day.
Who said Mason is a pumper? But he finances everything with Asher and other dirty debt holders. And thats the reason why you a reverse split and endless dilution and thats the point why the low o/s 2 days after a split is not important, will be higher fast IMO.