If we're going to work ourselves into a lather over something, let's make it something reasonable. Rewards of Stock Options do not translate directly into income. They may *never* produce income for those receiving them, and so adding the calculated (Black-Sholes?) value to the actual income (Management) or fees (BoD) is not an accurate measure at all.

If indeed the calculated value of the Stock Options is done using the Black-Sholes algorithm, it should be noted that this algorithm tends to over-estimate the value of options by a factor of 3(!). Yes, 300% higher than what is seen in what I like to call "real life". Options do not guarantee a return for the holder; they only work to benefit the holder if they are vested (over several years) *and* the current value of the stock is greater than the "strike price", or value at which the options are offered (market price at the time of the offer).

I *want* the management and the BoD to have some "skin in the game", and the best way to do this is to couple their future financial gain directly to that of the company. It's an added incentive to work smart and work hard, above and beyond the paycheck. Call it "pride of ownership".

JMHO, GLTA Longs!