Investor sentiment isn't determined or controlled by message boards, it's all about performance. Management and BOD should try communicating their goals, achieving them in the targeted timeframe and then reporting such accomplishments in conformance with RegFD guidelines. The proper investor sentiment will follow.
This is not a revelation; everyone involved is well aware of how it works. Apparently they choose to act otherwise or they simply have not accomplished anything that adds to shareholder value in spite of what is dished out during private phone conversations.