I think we need to keep in mind that this is not a cookie cutter deposit.  It is a unique find.  Initially we had a huge graphite deposit, then we had a unique high purity graphite deposit and more recently we have found that we have graphite that provides a low cost route to graphene.  Each of these revelations requires a shift in approach and with that priorities and deadlines may move.  Not to mention we have more than 50 different institutions working with our material to understand the potential.  Raising big money now in my view would inevitably result in significant dilution for shareholders.  Again I hate to repeat my self, but where is the large volume market for graphene today?  Look at the articles recently posted by Ringer to get an idea of the present graphene market.  It is tiny now but will surely explode.  

The real value in Zenyatta will come through materials science research.  Present management is working hard to promote research with leading companies and institutions around the world. This takes time.  Could they do a better job in certain areas like communications, perhaps, but I believe they have fundmentally the right approach.  On the other hand I believe the suggested approach of the dissidents is fundamentally flawed.   Start digging now and sell a placer gold deposit as gravel.  

I don't like to get too hung up on credentials, but I really don't see how replacing AE with an optometrist is going to improve the impression Zenyatta would give to potential lenders.  Giving a great deal on a new set of frames is quite a bit different than selling the production of a mine producing an unique product into markets that are just in the early development stage.  

Finally one last point,  you state. -". AE really hasn’t even invested in his own company and has nothing to lose while OUR company drifts along."  The first part of this statement is demonstrably false.  It is a matter of public record that AE holds 4,591,429 shares along with 800,000 options.  In discussions at PDAC he mentioned that his family and friends were also invested in the company. 

Respectfully,

Pilgrim