"There would have to be very compelling circumstanes to deviate from their established practice, and I'm not aware of any that would support your argument."

barsax, I appreciate your vigorous debate approach but the slight at the importance of this subject matter ("side show") wasn't necessary, imo. 

Very compelling circumstances is the subject matter of this particular discussion.  Look up.  The subject line is "Shawn Lu RSU and options cancelled".  That is very unusual.  I have been in the investment world for some 35 years and I don't recall something as unsual except where extremely bad news was concurrently/immediately announced.  I doubt the cancellation is relate to bad news or we would have heard of the immediate step down by now.  Ergo, something good is potentially cooking and it is fair game to speculate on what, so long as it is properly framed as speculation.  This is after all an investment forum.