The only thing that puzzles me is how someone like PC couldn't just exercise his options from standing personal liquidity, rather than only if he sold to buy. He wouldn't have the gains tax to pay on the sale, and would only pay the gains on the exercise. Plus he would have that many more shares. If POET is all he should know it to be, I'd think he'd mortgage his house, sell blood, cut out Friday night movies, etc. to afford the maximum shares possible.