RE: criticism vs legal action When we criticize a CEO or a company for not delivering the goods, we critize the actions of the Board or the Mangement based on the results. Whether these actions were deliberate or accidental, we do not care as shareholders. We look at the results and those responsible for these results whether these results were intended or unintended from those in position of decision making.
But when we sue the CEO or the company for not delivering the goods we have to prove to the court of law that these guys deliberatly misled everyone and thus harmed the interests of the shareholders; which is again necessary to prove intent. And if it was so easy to prove intent to harm the company when the stock is not doing well, no one would want to become a CEO and be sued by a disgruntled hot head. So much at least should be clear to everyone.