this one first..doesn't he have to do this to maintain control? (I'm thinking this 100 billion plus whatever other folks in his inner circle own?)
There's no requirement for him to maintain control. Most smallcaps like to do so because then they don't have to get approval from outside shareholders when they want to do things like raise the a/s, change the company's name, etc.
A CEO is just an employee and is not supposed to issue himself shares at will because he wants to maintain personal control. It has to be tied to a legit reason such as: Is his salary being paid in shares? Does his employment contract entitle him to free bonus shares or to purchase shares to maintain control? Is he purchasing these as part of an employee stock option plan? Did he give the company a loan in exchange for these? There has to be something there.
do we know that all these shares are for *gifts*?
No, but they are being called gifts. Those who worked the races probably view it as compensation for their time.
what was the criteria for the *invite*?
Good question for Sterling to answer. I don't know. Supposedly, he was sharing some of his speculation and opinions with them. Could be they invited him up as a reward for the strong support given in the forums and chat. Wouldn't be the first time a smallcap did this.
to my point....rename the room
Sterling didn't take Glenn's advice on this. I think he's addicted to the limelight.
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