I am not sure why I clicked back to read your post. It has been months since I have done so, but here is my opinion on your listing.
Yes A few Yes A very few - redundant to group 2 This seems like a big group, but the first and last are redundant and the middle is not informed Not yet A few high level people that know how to keep a secret - it is there job (statement generally applies to all affirmed people here) Yes - team connotes a larger group than it would be If so, execs only No idea to whom you refer but NO
You suggest that people in this process are unethical. Generally speaking, this is not the case in medicine. Leaking destroys careers and is pursued by industry in courts if harmful. Peers are shunned. Wallstreet thinks we do not know who they wine and dine in order to leak... we do. It can be useful to leverage sometimes. Is is the American way.