This additional 9 million is just for this comming year. Next year it could be another 9 million or more. In proportion to the already outstanding shares and these people already receive salaries, this in my opinion is exorbitant.
I also concur with the allocation of options should be commensurate with salary and contribution to the company. Next I would insist that no one individual receive options in any one year greater in value than their salary unless the allocation is approved by the shareholders in each case.
Not send a message but revoke the priviledge of these additional ones.