I still do not agree but would not be willing to pay money to bring my shares into certificate form and then pay to put them back just to prove my point. Nor willing to wait several weeks to make the change.
I am sorry you and your friends are unable to solve the problem and I do hope things change so you do not need to.
I am curious what Clear Trust told you. Have they confirmed that the certificates they issued can no longer be transferred to broker houses. Since they are dealing in this type of business and the shares had to come from them, what is their explanation?