Gilver: I say that is terrible, Rainer. Greed is everywhere, it seems. Das ist nicht gut. Dein broker macht dicht vericht. If you have trouble voting in the future, there are enough of us here to atleast go along with your sentiments. Sorry for the broken German. I had much harsher words in mind for your brokers, but it would not be in good taste on this forum.

Yes, it's terrible and disgusting, gilver! I am effectively denied my voting rights! However, at this stage I wouldn't blame it all on my broker. There are a whole lot of institutions involved and they all want to generate some cash. Very bad process!

I asked one of the brokers for an explanation of the high costs and I am keen to see his excuses!