It does make sense. It is rather shady but is it illegal. Doesn't seem real difficult to pull off as it wouldn't take a whole lot investors of means to put up that kind of money. Heck I am sure the Gates firm alone could find enough investors to raise that kind of money. The only risk is somehow they can't sell the original 16M shares into a rally. That is, the online marketers can't get enough buzz going tied to 11 upcoming conferences with the help of shorts getting caught in a man-made squeeze. Is it illegal. Shady doesn't matter and would probably not be the shadiest thing Swartz and or Gates has participated in.
This would be where that small, clandestine, closely held Board would be a benefit. I do not believe they would do anything illegal but I am sure they would be willing to play in the gray area.
I too will hold judgement until next week but the fish is starting to smell a little.
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