There was reckless spending for these companies and poor acquisitions that precipitated these companies decline. To me it's comparing apples and oranges to a junior miner like FNC. And i can tell you the corporate governance and best practises of companies would not leave a CEO in charge for over 25 years after arriving at a market cap of less than 4M.
You make some good points about the commodoties price, but good companies can still soften the blow. THere are some great examples of well run companies like Agnico and Franco Nevada who buck the trend you have pointed out.
No fan of Smith at all - he's got to go IMO for any chance this company has to turn around.
GLA