... some on these forums and boards who post regularly and openly admit they do not own shares and never have.

Who are some of these regulars that openly admit they are not shareholders and never have been? That is quite a statement. I can't think of anyone? Can you please back up that one?

... you heard Elmer say.....that no, the SP won't be a factor in the buy out and, as neofight who also attended reported, the final valuation and for sale sign wouldn't be going up until early spring after the results of the 2013 drill program could be incorporated and the valuation formula run.

Yes, Elmer did say that, BUT he also said the drilling was capped at nearly 4000m due to bad weather, which was then claimed to be fog after that was refuted. A LOT of other statements have been made over the years, many have not came true, or remain unexplained - so just because ES says "share price will not be a factor" is not a good enough reason to close our eyes to the IMHO logical assumption that whomever wants to buy us out has to sell it thier BOD/shareholders? It looks bad (especially in this market where there are bargains to be had) to pay many multiples of a share price in an aquisition. Share price has to be a factor IMHO.

Its pretty much early spring now, but the latest NR didn't mention anything about a valuation formula being run to include 2013 drilling. Is this something we are going to do ourselves? I was under the impression Teck was in control of these things? Please clarify if you can...