>In recent years with conference calls and analysts meetings being more readily available to "common" shareholders the playing field is getting a little more level... But some companies don't allow shareholders to ask questions and give 1-1 interviews and other preferential treatment to the bigger players.<
This is one area in which Reg FD has made a substantial difference. Although some companies still restrict participation in the Q&A on conference calls, there are far, far fewer of these companies than there were five years ago.
In fact, some companies have gone to the opposite extreme by routinely fielding CC questions from wackos and ignoramuses. Listen to any recent CC by PPHM and you’ll see exactly what I mean.