I am dead set against stock options for Management at all levels and especially Directors, who most often contribute little or nothing to the advancement or fortunes of a Company.

Mangers at all levels should be paid the going rate in base salary. And that is it. No stock options and no bonuses. If they believe in the future of the Company they will buy shares like any other member of the public and get to share in the profits as the share price rises.

If they don't believe in the future of the Company, or don't enjoy the working environment or other operating personnel, they will be long gone anyway, options or no options.

The exception being if the stock options are in lieu of a salary, which one often sees with brand new explorcos, who have little cash in the treasury and often operate on a shoe string.

Stock options are a recent invention and have been abused even more, if that's possible, than paying CEO's of Mining (and other) companies outrageous salaries, bonuses and other compensation packages, while the Board of Directors, appointed by, and serving at the pleasure of, the CEO, sit silently, but alert, during compensation and stock option meetings, ready to quickly raise their hand when the Chairman says the magic words: "all in favour ?"

Shareholders of course, have no say, and most do not want a say. They are happy as long as the price of the stock continues to move higher.

Fred25