Dividend does not work. Cash dividend the shorts can just pay. Stock dividend they just print more shares. These NSS are not going to go away on their own, SPNG needs a CUSIP # change and a R/S is how they are getting that.
I agree with your skeptisism with the DTCC but it seems to me that if a definitive number of shares are outstanding then a r/s recount should be relatively easy. How do you believe the FTD's can escape via DTCC? They will be looking to the MM and in turn the mm's will hunting liquid assets from the Nakeds themselves. The unfolding of future events has me at the edge of my seat and I am looking forward to the education that comes with it.