RE:RE:RE:small trades I see shorting as a short term price control tactic, useful only in particular ways for a thinly traded off-the-radar Cdn microcap stock. Doesn't take many shares ( up to 2m or so = less than 1% of float) add a couple of cooperative brokerage houses, a few FUD workers and maybe a Market Maker and Bob's your uncle.
Once volume returns ( expected in the months leading up to Top Line data release which is at least 30-60 days after last patient is enrolled) , history shows that it would be a dangerous strategy to hold a significant short position .
Who needs to control or tweak the SP in the short-term? That's a matter of speculation. I don't see it as a particularly risky venture during the period of calm before the storm. LT retailers have to decide if it makes sense to join'em vs trying to lick'em. Not by shorting themselves, but rather taking advantage of the short-term discount. Most LT retail holders, however, feel that they are full up as it is. Would be shorters know this and as such are often able to work it down fairly easily.
Makes no difference to the final outcome except slightly higher dilution coming from any last minute financings ( my biggest problem with under promotion)
MM