Real, your line;
The only way to prevent the shares to be lent out is to own the actual certificates.
is starting to look like it may be the only way to prevent your shares from being lent, but I am also questioning that. I trade with RBC and I have been skimming over my initial agreement. This particular agreement I signed when I opened my account, may give them the right to do what ever they wish with my shares no matter what account they are held in. If our banks are screwing us longs over, I will hate to see what happens if they win their bid for the TSX.