So you're ascribing to the notion that AE "allowed" someone else to buy his shares? I won't deny it's a possibility, but I think you're explaining it in a manner that someone on AE's side would, ie as a team mate. If you stepped outside that position, and viewed the situation with the idea of protecting your money, you might not take such a rosy view. But that is an interpretation you're entitled to make.

Now this latest news release. It looks like a positive step to put it out there that they are looking to move to the pilot plant stage. Apparently, they hope to improve their metallurgy to do so. Isn't that what folks like the Chief have been saying all along?

And then we see a large dollop of options awarded at a strike price of .72. So maybe the BoD's not purchasing shares through the rights offering or previous options is explained here. They knew they were getting more options for free, so they have 5 years to see how things evolve. So now they've twice declined to put any money into the company, but twice accepted free warrants and/or options. Again, as an outsider, that looks pretty bad.