""Has anyone thought that this move is part of an effort to bring parity to the sp so as to facilitate a merger? "

As for this segment of your post, if this is in fact a consideration that is behind the proposition then we should have been informed that such is the case."

To inform investors of a merger would be ..... insider info. wouldn't it? Therefore impossible to divulge at this point. Ducks would have to be in a row before this could happen never mind informing investors and the populace of the intent.